Pedestrian dead in accident in 5400 block of Leavenworth Road

An accident was reported about 7:57 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, in the 5400 block of Leavenworth Road, according to a spokesman for the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department.

A pedestrian died at a hospital after being struck by a black sedan, according to the spokesman. The pedestrian was a crossing guard, police said.

Police stated that a black sedan was driving east on Leavenworth Road when the accident occurred. The driver of the sedan was taken to a hospital, according to police.

The Kansas City, Kansas, Traffic Support Unit – Critical Collision Response Team is investigating.

In a news release, the Unified Government stated it was saddened to report that the victim who died in the accident was a UG employee who was on duty as a crossing guard.

According to the news release, eyewitnesses stated the employee was struck while pushing children out of the way of an approaching vehicle.

“I offer my deepest sympathies to the family of the crossing guard, and I offer our gratitude on behalf of our residents for his selfless sacrifice in protecting our children,” Mayor David Alvey stated in the news release.

The UG staff extended its heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the employee’s family, friends and all those affected by the tragedy, the news release stated. The UG said it is not releasing the employee’s name at this time.