Kansas City police identify man killed after Rockhurst University crash
Kansas City police on Monday identified a man who died after crashing into a building at Rockhurst University Friday afternoon, marking Kansas City’s seventh traffic death this year.
Sterling Roaf, 34, was identified as the driver of a white Nissan Murano that struck Rockhurst University’s Corcoran Hall, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a spokesperson with the Kansas City Police Department.
Officers responded to a reported crash Friday afternoon at Rockhurst Road and Virginia Avenue. Corcoran Hall is a residence hall located on the northeast side of the university’s campus.
A Rockhurst University spokesperson, in a statement to The Star on Monday, did not release Roaf’s identity but said the person involved in the crash was not affiliated with the university.
“We’re saddened by the loss of life that occurred and are holding the family in prayer,” said spokesperson Katherine Frohoff, who added that damage to the university’s campus was minimal.
According to a preliminary investigation, the crash occurred when the white Nissan sped south on Virginia Avenue. The Nissan then failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Rockhurst Road and Virginia Avenue, according to a crash report.
The Nissan continued south and struck a gold Jeep Wrangler that was unoccupied and parked on Rockhurst Road. After hitting the Jeep, the Nissan traveled over a curb and up a grassy hill, where it began to roll, according to the crash report.
The Nissan then struck the building on Rockhurst’s campus before coming to rest, according to the crash report.
Paramedics transported the driver of the Nissan to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Star’s Kendrick Calfee contributed reporting.
This story was originally published February 16, 2026 at 9:10 PM.
