College student falls 70 feet off overpass while trying to avoid truck in multi-car crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW/Gray News) - A Kansas college student survived falling 70 feet from an overpass while trying to avoid being hit by an oncoming truck during a multi-car crash.

Kyra Kinnison and Sara Celeen are close friends after they met at Kansas State University over two years ago.

“[Kyra is] just a really amazing person, very sweet and helpful. She’s always there if you need something,” Celeen said.

It’s a friendship that was almost lost. Kinnison, 21, and her boyfriend were traveling separately to Salina last Friday night when they encountered a hazard on highway K-18.

“[Her boyfriend] swerved around it and stopped. And [Kyra] pulled over to the side of the road, and then, a vehicle crashed into his vehicle,” Celeen said.

But it didn’t stop there, as more oncoming cars piled up behind, causing a multi-vehicle crash. Kinnison, who was walking along the shoulder on the overpass, was in the path of danger with a truck coming at full speed in her direction.

“She jumped back to get out of the way, and the railing is not very good; you can easily lean over it and fall,” Celeen said.

Kinnison fell 70 feet and suffered serious injuries.

“She had fractures on her back, some of her vertebrae, her pelvis and her tailbone,” Celeen said.

But despite all odds, Kinnison can still walk. Her family from North Carolina paid her a visit in the hospital, alongside Celeen.

“I’m just glad she’s not paralyzed for life,” Celeen said. “There really was a guardian angel out there, looking out for her.”

But what still lies ahead in Kinnison’s journey is healing and the financial cost of it. That’s why Celeen is raising money on GoFundMe, and the community is already rallying behind her.

“It’s just amazing the community we have here. Everyone that’s been supporting her is just amazing,” Celeen said.