Local teacher killed in Wednesday wreck
04/24/2019

(KAIR)--The 24-year-old victim of Wednesday morning’s fatal crash, north of Valley Falls, is identified as a Valley Falls school teacher.

That word came in a message sent to parents of students at Atchison’s Saint Benedict Catholic School Wednesday.

The message, from Principal Diane Liebsch, was sent due to the Atchison student’s participating in Wednesday’s Kansas League Band Day at Valley Falls.

She said Hannah Lager, confirmed as the victim by the Kansas Highway Patrol, is the wife of Benedictine College employee, Austin Lager.

Liebsch was informed of the identity by Valley Falls Principal Susan Gray.

Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Don Hughes told MSC News the fatal wreck happened on K-4 Highway, at 170th Road.

According to the report from the KHP, Lager, of Atchison, was southbound on the highway, traveling in the inside lane, attempting to pass a semi tractor-trailer, that was southbound in the far right lane, attempting to merge into the inside lane.

Lager attempted to pass in the opposing northbound lane, but over-corrected, and lost control of her Chevrolet Impala. The car began to skid counter-clockwise into the northbound lane of traffic, causing the semi to collide with the passenger side of Lager’s car.

Lager was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the semi, 75-year-old Warren Hollis, of Valley Falls, was transported to Topeka’s Stormont Vail for the treatment of what the KHP report called a possible injury.

Both drivers were wearing seat belts.

The fatal wreck occurred shortly after 7:30 Wednesday morning.

According to the message sent by Liebsch, the Lager’s were expecting their first child.

For those of you who may not receive the BC’s announcements: “We are sad to inform you that Hannah (Vogt) Lager ’17, the wife of Austin Lager ’17 from the IT Department, was killed this morning in a traffic accident. Making the situation even sadder, the young couple had just married last June and they were expecting their first child in a few months. Please keep Austin and the families in your prayers during this very difficult time.  Please pray for the repose of the souls of Hannah and their unborn child.

In response to today’s tragic news, there will be a Rosary for the Lager family at 8:00 p.m. tonight in the Abbey Church.  If you would like to help the family get through this difficult time, Benedictine College has set up a fund that will pass money directly to Austin Lager.  You can donate to that fund here or bring a check or cash to the Business Office (3rd floor, St. Benedict Hall) to have it deposited into the account.”


© Many Signals Communications

You will need to be logged in to leave a comment.

Please Login


characters left

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.

Click here to review our Terms of Use.