KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal hit-and-run that occurred Thursday morning in the parking garage of the University of Kansas Cancer Center., 2650 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Westwood, Kansas.
Just before 8a.m., a vehicle struck the man identified as 94-year-old William J. Ward of Leawood, Kansas, according to Johnson County Sheriff Calvin Hayden. Ward died of his injuries.
The driver left the scene of the accident but was later located and taken in for questioning.
As law enforcement investigated at the scene, patient parking was temporarily re-routed, and employees were asked to park in nearby surface lots.
Despite the tragedy, KU Cancer Center officials said care continued inside the facility. The hospital released a statement on the tragedy.
"Employees and health system leaders are feeling what many in our community are experiencing… shock and extreme sadness in this moment. We are dedicated to helping and healing patients, and so the news that this accident involved an employee is especially tragic to us on many levels."
"We are also extremely proud of how employees stayed focused on providing care to the many patients with clinic visits and cancer care appointments immediately after the accident and throughout the day. That patient care continues at the Cancer Center uninterrupted. We are providing counselors to anyone and everyone at the cancer center that feels a need. Our thoughts are with the families of all involved in this tragic accident."