According to a news statement issued by Sheriff Andrew Van Der Wege, a severe thunderstorm hit Russell County in Kansas, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.
According to the sheriff, high winds ranging from 68 to 70 miles per hour accompanied the storm that swept through Wilson State Park in rural central Kansas, causing multiple campers to topple. The sheriff’s office was notified of the incident through numerous 911 calls that started at 11:52 p.m. on Wednesday. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered several overturned campers.
During their search and rescue mission, officers discovered three individuals who were injured and one deceased man. The deceased man was identified as Christopher Montoya, a 64-year-old resident of Holyrood, who was found in the Hell Creek Park section of the state park. His body was transported to a local mortuary, and an autopsy has been scheduled, according to the sheriff.
Russell Regional Hospital received the injured individuals. No information regarding their current condition has been disclosed.
Visitors to Lake Wilson have been urged to exercise caution by the sheriff’s office, as the area has been affected by debris and power loss.
The Midwest has been hit by severe storms and flooding in the past few weeks.