According to WIBW Radio and KSNT TV, both in Topeka, a teen has been identified as the fatality victim in a utility task vehicle crash over the weekend in Pottawatomie County.
The fatality victim was identified as Dylan Higgins, 17, of Wamego. Higgins was a Wamego High School football player.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wamego football team and community following the passing of senior football player, Dylan Higgins,” said Sports in Kansas on its Facebook site.
According to Pottawatomie County Sheriff Doug Adams, the crash occurred at about 12:50 a.m. Sunday near Old Post Road and Genn Road northeast of Wamego.
Emergency crews responded to the crash and located three individuals who had been in the UTV, including a passenger who had been ejected.
That passenger, later identified as Higgins, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The UTV’s driver, identified as Harry Costa, 18, of Wamego, was reported uninjured.
Another passenger, identified as Emily Crocker, 16, of Wamego, sustained minor injuries and did not require ambulance transportation to the hospital, Adams said.
The UTV was eastbound on Old Post Road when the driver attempted to make a turn south onto Genn Road and lost control of the vehicle, Adams said.
The incident remains under investigation.
Josh Meyer, superintendent of Wamego USD 320, shared a message with families of the district on Sunday:
“Dear USD 320 Family,
I am writing to share the sad news that a WHS student died last night in a utility terrain vehicle accident. The accident is being investigated, and information will be released by the Sheriff’s Department as it becomes available. During this difficult time, I am asking everyone to show compassion and respect to the people most directly affected by this tragic loss. Our hearts go out to all who are hurting.
Please note Monday is a staff professional learning day, so there will be no school. Students are welcome to seek counseling and mental health support at WHS from 8:30 to 1:00 tomorrow. This will also be available during the school day on Tuesday and as needed through the week.
“The loss of a student and classmate affects everyone in our schools and community. A good place to start a conversation with your student is to ask what they know about what happened, and how they’re feeling. You may learn that they know very little and are not interested in finding out more. If they share how they feel, reassure them that it’s normal — whether they are sad, nervous, angry or perhaps don’t feel anything.
“If you notice any lingering signs of stress — changes in appetite or sleeping, for example — it is possible your child could use some help processing their grief. If you or someone you know needs urgent help, please call or text 988 for free, confidential professional counseling that is available 24/7.
“Please contact school district staff if we can help in any way in the days and weeks ahead. We are here to help.”
JOSH MEYER, USD 320 SUPERINTENDENT
USD 320 head football coach Weston Moody shared in a social media post that Higgins also played for the high school’s football team.
“It is with the heaviest hearts that we mourn the passing of one of our own, Dylan Higgins. Words can’t describe the emptiness we all feel from this incredible loss. [Higgins] was one of us, a teammate, brother, son and friend. Our entire football program is praying for the family and will walk down this extremely difficult path with them. United, we are strong, and through God we will find our strength. Fly high #3.”
Wamego has a 2-0 record in 2026 with victories over Clay Center (25-7) and Abilene (57-13). The Red Raiders were scheduled to host Rock Creek Friday night.
Higgins is listed as a cornerback and free safety on the roster and wore No. 3.
