Auriana Davis, Myron B. Wolken Obituary, Cause of Death – Two Killed in Franklin County Crash

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Kan. — Auriana K. Davis, 18, and Myron B. Wolken, 73, died following a devastating four-vehicle collision on U.S. 59 north of Richmond late Friday night, October 2, 2026.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m. and involved four vehicles. Two people were killed, while three others were transported to area hospitals for treatment.

The deaths of Davis and Wolken have left their families, friends and communities grieving as authorities continue investigating the circumstances of the collision.

Remembering Auriana K. Davis

Auriana K. Davis, 18, of Kansas City, Missouri, was driving a 2021 Kia Forte northbound on U.S. 59 when the crash occurred.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol’s preliminary account, Davis attempted to pass two vehicles — a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze driven by Emma E. Franklin, 18, of Uniontown, and a 2013 Ford Escape driven by Jolee R. Olsen, 20, of Lawrence.

The Kia subsequently collided head-on with a southbound 2008 Cadillac DTS driven by Wolken.

Davis was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her death at 18 has left loved ones mourning the loss of a young woman whose life was cut short in the late-night collision.

Remembering Myron B. Wolken

Myron B. Wolken, 73, of Beloit, was driving the Cadillac involved in the crash.

He was also pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Frontier Forensics.

For Wolken’s family and friends, his sudden death represents the loss of a life spanning more than seven decades. Those who knew him are now left to remember the relationships and experiences that shaped his life.

Other People Injured in the Crash

Three other people involved in the collision survived and were transported to hospitals.

Emma E. Franklin and Jolee R. Olsen were transported by emergency medical services to Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

Christian D. Wellbrock, 22, of Victoria, was a passenger in Wolken’s Cadillac and was transported to KU Medical Center.

Authorities reported that all five people involved in the crash were properly restrained.

Cause of Death and Crash Investigation

Davis and Wolken died from injuries sustained in the four-vehicle collision, according to the preliminary crash information.

The circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation. Authorities are continuing to document the scene and determine the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash on U.S. 59.

The account that Davis attempted to pass the other vehicles is part of the Kansas Highway Patrol’s preliminary investigation and may be subject to further findings.

A Community Left Grieving

The deaths of Auriana Davis and Myron Wolken have left two families facing an unexpected loss.

As relatives and friends mourn, they will remember Davis and Wolken for the lives they lived and the relationships they built, rather than only for the circumstances of their deaths.

Their passing has brought grief to those who knew them as family members, friends, neighbors and members of their respective communities.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.