HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Tragedy struck just after dawn when a Ford Ranger rolled over multiple times on Interstate 135, killing 19-year-old Joel Guffey and sending the driver, 20-year-old Bentley Eckhoff, to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the pickup was traveling southbound near Quivera Road when it veered off the highway. In an attempt to correct, Eckhoff lost control, causing the vehicle to flip repeatedly before coming to rest in the southbound lanes. Neither Guffey nor Eckhoff were wearing seat belts at the time. Authorities emphasized that the lack of restraints played a major role in the severity of the crash.

Eckhoff was transported to Salina Regional Health Center with minor injuries. Guffey, who could not be revived at the scene, is being remembered as a bright young man whose life ended far too soon.

The Hutchinson community is mourning deeply, with friends and family reflecting on Joel’s kindness, energy, and the impact he made in his short life. Loved ones say his absence will leave a lasting void, while officials continue to stress the importance of seat belt use in preventing future tragedies.

As the investigation continues, those who knew Joel gather in sorrow, holding onto memories of his vibrant spirit and grieving the loss of a life cut short on the open highway.