Community mourns loss of 22-year-old Blaise Stewart after fatal motorcycle crash

Friends remember Stewart's ability to connect with others and make a lasting impact on those around him.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:54am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A softly blurred, out-of-focus photograph in warm, muted tones depicting a group of people gathered together, their faces indistinct but their body language and energy conveying a sense of community, connection, and shared mourning.The Wichita community comes together to remember the life and legacy of Blaise Stewart, whose kindness and ability to connect with others left a lasting impression.Wichita Today

The Wichita community is mourning the loss of 22-year-old Blaise Stewart, who was killed in a motorcycle crash on Tuesday. Stewart worked for a local food truck company, I Heart Cookies, and was known for his kind spirit, energy, and ability to make meaningful connections with customers and co-workers alike. His friends and colleagues describe him as a 'gentle giant' and 'kind soul' who left a lasting legacy through his compassion and the way he made others feel seen and respected.

Why it matters

The tragic loss of a young life has deeply impacted the Wichita community, highlighting the importance of cherishing each moment and the profound effect that even brief interactions can have on others. Stewart's story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of kindness, empathy, and the lasting impact one person can have.

The details

Blaise Stewart, 22, was killed in a motorcycle crash on Tuesday in Wichita, Kansas. Stewart worked for the local food truck company I Heart Cookies, where his boss and co-workers say he had a unique ability to connect with customers and make them feel respected. Even brief interactions with Stewart left a lasting impression, with many people sharing memories and condolences on the company's social media pages. Stewart's childhood friend, Joshua Medina, described him as a 'gentle giant' and 'kind soul' who brought energy and positivity wherever he went.

  • Blaise Stewart was killed in a motorcycle crash on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Blaise Stewart

A 22-year-old Wichita resident who worked for the local food truck company I Heart Cookies and was known for his kind spirit, energy, and ability to connect with others.

Joshua Medina

A childhood friend of Blaise Stewart who described him as a 'gentle giant' and 'kind soul' who had a profound impact on those around him.

Rachel Marlow

The boss of Blaise Stewart at the I Heart Cookies food truck, who said he made everyone feel respected and that their voice mattered.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Blaise was always somebody that made everyone feel respected and made everyone feel like their voice mattered.”

— Rachel Marlow, Boss at I Heart Cookies

“When he walked in the room, genuinely everybody would notice.”

— Joshua Medina, Childhood friend

“He was the kind of person that you could depend on. You really cannot ask for anything more than that.”

— Joshua Medina, Childhood friend

What’s next

Blaise Stewart's friends and family are planning a memorial service to celebrate his life and legacy.

The takeaway

The tragic loss of Blaise Stewart has deeply impacted the Wichita community, highlighting the profound impact that even brief interactions with kind and compassionate individuals can have. Stewart's story serves as a poignant reminder to cherish each moment and the people in our lives, and to strive to make a positive difference through empathy and connection.