Kansas Highway Patrol Releases Names of Eight Victims in I-70 Pileup Involving 71 Vehicles

GOODLAND, Kan. — The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) has released the identities of the eight people killed in a devastating 71-vehicle pileup that occurred on March 14, 2025, along Interstate 70 in Sherman County.
On Monday, April 14, KHP confirmed the following individuals lost their lives in the crash:
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Larry Smith, 72, Kansas
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Dawson Hogan, 20, Kansas
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Baiel Sharshembiev, 24, Pennsylvania
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Carlos Arzate, 48, Oklahoma
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Manuel Alarcon, 57, Kansas
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Stephanie Purcell, 61, Indiana
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Mario Juarez, 31, Kansas
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Giovanni Stefan, 60, Michigan
The massive multi-vehicle collision occurred around 3:22 p.m. on March 14 between mile markers 28.1 and 28.3, about nine miles east of Goodland. The pileup impacted both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-70 and resulted in 46 additional hospitalizations due to injuries.
KHP stated that numerous separate collisions occurred between 3:20 p.m. and 3:35 p.m. CDT, and each will be documented with individual reports. Investigators are still working to determine the exact sequence of events, citing the complexity of the incident.
Goodland Fire Chief Brian James described the response as the most difficult moment of his 22-year career in fire service, noting the overwhelming number of injured, hazardous wind and dirt conditions, and the challenge of coordinating across multiple agencies.
“Trying to manage multiple agencies, over thirty patients, triaging patients, working over 55 vehicles, fighting the wind with dirt so bad you can’t see over 50 to 100 feet… was just something to process,” James said. “I don’t think people realize the dedication these men and women give to make this community safe and secure.”
The investigation into the crash continues.
