May 12, 2023

Kansas man dies after motorcycle crash in construction zone

Posted May 12, 2023 9:00 AM

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Thursday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Kawasaki motorcycle driven by Ryan C. Tholen, 33, Wichita, was southbound on Interstate 235 at a high rate of speed in the left lane that is reduced to one lane due to a 50 mph construction zone.

The driver swerved into the closed right lane and struck a cut out section in the road.  The driver lost control of the motorcycle when he struck a second cut out section just north of Kellogg. The driver was ejected.

The vehicle and driver came to rest in the closed right lane. EMS transported Tholen to a Wichita hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.