Mitchell C. Howard, a 20-year-old resident of Bird City, Kansas, tragically lost his life in a fatal single-vehicle accident on Thursday night in Rawlins County. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reported that the crash occurred around 8:34 p.m. near Atwood Cemetery Road, west of the K-25 highway, close to the city of Atwood.
According to the KHP’s crash log, Howard was driving a 1997 Ford passenger car east on Atwood Cemetery Road when the vehicle veered off the road and struck a concrete bridge pillar on the southern side. The impact caused the car to spin 90 degrees counterclockwise before coming to rest in a ditch, facing north. Howard was pronounced dead at the scene. It has been confirmed that he was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the cause of the crash. The reasons why the vehicle left the road remain unknown, and the Kansas Highway Patrol is actively gathering more information. The community is deeply affected by the sudden loss of Howard, a well-known and cherished member of both Bird City and Atwood.
As the investigation continues, officials are urging anyone with information about the accident to contact local authorities. Meanwhile, the community is coming together to support Howard’s family during this difficult time, mourning the loss of a young life. Further details from the Kansas Highway Patrol will be released as they become available.