At 8:17 p.m. on Tuesday, a 2024 Ford F‑150 driven by Brett Ballard left Interstate 470 in southeast Topeka, striking a delineator post, an embankment and a bridge pillar before coming to rest after a collision with road barriers.
Ballard, 46, was wearing his seat belt at the moment of impact and was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital, where doctors confirmed serious injuries that have left his condition pending.
The head coach of Washburn University’s men’s basketball team since the 2017‑18 season, Ballard previously showcased his talent as a player at the University of Kansas from 2000 to 2002, bringing a deep connection to the sport and the campus.
University President JuliAnn Mazachek issued a public statement expressing heartfelt condolences to Ballard’s family and the basketball program, asking the community to support him during his recovery while respecting his family’s privacy.
Authorities have not yet released details about the cause of the crash, and investigations are ongoing to determine the factors that led to the vehicle leaving the roadway.