Deputy Struck by Vehicle at South Buckner Tarsney and E. Ryan Road in Late Afternoon Incident
Just after 6 p.m. on December 17, the quiet stretch of South Buckner Tarsney near E. Ryan Road in eastern Jackson County transformed into a scene of urgent emergency response. The intersection, a key connector for residents traveling between the Blue Summit and Tarsney neighborhoods, was suddenly the site of a serious crash involving a Jackson County sheriff's deputy. The deputy, 53-year-old Westphal, was struck by a vehicle while investigating an earlier accident along this busy corridor.
What Happened
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), a 2012 Mercedes driven by a 69-year-old woman from Lee’s Summit was heading southbound on South Buckner Tarsney when it veered into the crash scene at E. Ryan Road. The vehicle struck Deputy Westphal, who was on foot managing the scene. Central Jackson County EMS quickly transported the deputy to Centerpoint Medical Center, where he underwent multiple surgeries for serious injuries. Sheriff Daryl Forte confirmed Westphal was released from the hospital on Christmas Eve and made a brief return to the sheriff’s office on the following Tuesday.
Why This Matters Locally
This incident is a stark reminder for anyone driving through eastern Jackson County, especially in the Blue Summit and Tarsney neighborhoods, where traffic patterns can change quickly near accident sites. South Buckner Tarsney and E. Ryan Road are vital routes for commuters heading toward downtown Kansas City or out to Lee’s Summit, and any disruption here cascades into delays and increased risks for all drivers.
Ignoring caution near accident scenes doesn’t just risk injury to first responders like Deputy Westphal. It also threatens your household’s safety, risks costly damages to your vehicle, and can extend traffic backups for hours. For families living near landmarks like Centerpoint Medical Center or those who rely on local roads such as Blue Ridge Cutoff and Red Bridge Road, a crash here can mean missed work, delayed school pickups, and increased stress during already busy evenings.
Residents should recognize that even minor distractions or misjudgments at intersections like South Buckner Tarsney and E. Ryan Road can lead to severe consequences. This incident underscores the need to slow down and stay alert when approaching any emergency scene.
If This Happens to You: What to Do Immediately
- Stop your vehicle safely and turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Check yourself and any passengers for injuries; call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
- If you are able, move your vehicle out of the active traffic lanes to prevent further accidents.
- Do not leave the scene; stay nearby until law enforcement arrives.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with other parties involved.
- Document the scene with photos or video if it is safe to do so.
- Contact a trusted family member or friend to inform them of your situation.
When Local Professional Help Becomes Necessary
After any traffic accident—especially one involving injury—you need to contact professional help without delay. If your vehicle is damaged, you will require reliable repair services or contractors to restore your car safely and efficiently. Attempting to delay repairs could leave your vehicle unsafe to drive, risking further accidents or costly breakdowns.
If you or a family member sustain injuries, consulting a local lawyer is essential. Legal professionals can navigate insurance claims and ensure you receive appropriate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Ignoring this step can result in denied claims or insufficient settlements, adding financial strain to your household.
For those living or working near South Buckner Tarsney and E. Ryan Road, professional planners or local government offices may become necessary contacts if traffic patterns or road safety measures need review. Persistent risks to first responders and drivers alike require coordinated action—residents should advocate for better signage, lighting, or traffic calming measures to prevent future incidents.
Local Context: A Daily Risk for Kansas City Residents
Many Kansas City residents pass through or near this intersection daily. South Buckner Tarsney connects neighborhoods like Blue Summit and Tarsney, funneling traffic toward major arteries such as Red Bridge Road and Blue Ridge Cutoff. Commuters heading to jobs near Centerpoint Medical Center or traveling between Kansas City and Lee’s Summit rely on these roads.
The risk of accidents at this intersection is not theoretical. The December 17 crash highlights how quickly a routine drive can turn dangerous. First responders like Deputy Westphal put themselves at risk to protect the public, but drivers must do their part by exercising caution. Failure to do so jeopardizes safety, increases emergency response times, and disrupts community life.
Where This Is Happening in Kansas
The incident occurred at the intersection of South Buckner Tarsney and E. Ryan Road, located in eastern Jackson County. This area serves as a boundary between the Blue Summit and Tarsney neighborhoods—both primarily residential communities with growing traffic volumes. Nearby streets such as Red Bridge Road, Blue Ridge Cutoff, and Gregory Boulevard feed into this corridor, making it a critical junction for local commuters.
Landmarks like Centerpoint Medical Center sit just a few miles west, drawing emergency vehicles and hospital staff through these roads daily. Residents of Lee’s Summit, traveling north on South Buckner Tarsney, also frequently use this route to access Kansas City’s urban core. Given the volume and variety of traffic, this intersection demands heightened awareness and respect from all drivers.
