Kansas College Wrestling Star Among Eight Killed in Devastating 71-Vehicle Dust Storm Pile-Up
GOODLAND, KS – A devastating dust storm that swept through western Kansas has claimed the lives of eight individuals, including a beloved college wrestling standout, in a catastrophic 71-vehicle pile-up on Interstate 70.
The Kansas Highway Patrol confirmed that the massive crash unfolded on March 14 between 3:20 and 3:35 p.m. local time near Goodland, as blinding dust reduced visibility to zero. The unprecedented chain-reaction crash involved dozens of sedans, SUVs, and semis, creating a nightmarish scene of twisted metal and emergency response chaos.
Among the victims was 20-year-old Dawson Hogan of Salina, Kansas—a former high school wrestling captain and standout athlete who had continued his academic and athletic pursuits at Fort Hays Northwest Tech.
Hogan was reportedly traveling home to Salina to spend spring break with his family when tragedy struck. A friend of the Hogan family set up a GoFundMe page, writing: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic loss of Dawson Hogan, who was among those who lost their lives in the dust storm outside of Goodland.”
A 2023 graduate of Salina Central High School, Hogan served as captain of the wrestling team and earned State finalist honors before advancing to college competition. He was widely admired for his leadership, athletic ability, and unwavering dedication on and off the mat.
Investigators are still working to determine the exact sequence of events in the crash, which stretched for miles along the highway. Kansas Highway Patrol officials noted the extreme weather conditions created by the dust storm made it nearly impossible for drivers to react in time.
The National Weather Service has confirmed that similar dust storms—fueled by prolonged drought conditions and strong winds—have become increasingly dangerous across parts of the Midwest in recent years.
The loss of Dawson Hogan has deeply shaken the Salina and Fort Hays communities. Tributes continue to pour in from classmates, teammates, and coaches who remember him as a driven and kind-hearted young man.
A memorial service is expected to be held in the coming days.
