Man Killed in Clay County Hit-and-Run, Authorities Search for Driver

Victim found on road near Interstate 35, police seeking information on vehicle involved

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:55pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken car part, such as a shattered side mirror or piece of glass, lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of the hit-and-run incident.Evidence from a deadly hit-and-run in Clay County exposes the harsh realities of road safety and the need for accountability.Overland Park Today

The Clay County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred early Monday morning. Around 7:10 a.m., a semi-truck driver reported seeing a person lying on Edgar Petty Road near Interstate 35. Deputies arrived to find the man deceased, and believe an unknown vehicle struck him and fled the scene.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run crashes are an ongoing concern in the region, with drivers sometimes fleeing the scene of an accident. This incident highlights the need for improved road safety and accountability, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down suspects in these types of cases.

The details

According to authorities, the victim's body was discovered on Edgar Petty Road just north of Northeast 116th Street, which is near I-35. The road was shut down for several hours as investigators gathered evidence. The Platte County Sheriff's Office assisted Clay County deputies with the investigation. Detectives are now working to identify the victim and locate the vehicle involved, which they say will likely have fresh damage.

  • The incident was reported around 7:10 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026.
  • Edgar Petty Road was closed for several hours as authorities investigated the scene.

The players

Clay County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating the fatal hit-and-run crash.

Platte County Sheriff's Office

The neighboring law enforcement agency that assisted Clay County deputies with the investigation.

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What’s next

Detectives are working to identify the victim and locate the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Clay County Sheriff's Investigations Unit or the anonymous TIPS Hotline.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of hit-and-run crashes in the region and the importance of drivers remaining at the scene of an accident. Law enforcement is urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the vehicle and driver responsible.