A Tragic Loss on U.S. 54: Remembering Three Lives Lost Near Greensburg

by Derek White

On the afternoon of May 7, 2025, a devastating collision west of Greensburg claimed the lives of three members of a Kansas family and left a profound mark on the local community.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 3:35 p.m. along U.S. Highway 54 near mile marker 98.3 in Kiowa County. A 2000 Ford F-150, traveling westbound in the eastbound lane, collided with a semi-truck traveling eastbound. The driver of the semi attempted to avoid the collision by moving left of center, but just as he did, the pickup reentered the westbound lane, leading to a direct impact.

The driver of the Ford pickup, 68-year-old Teresa Christine Davis of Meade, and two young passengers — 10-year-old Hunter Welch and 13-year-old Travis Welch, also of Meade — all lost their lives in the crash. All three were wearing seatbelts.

They were transported to Dodge City Medical Center and later to local mortuaries. Next of kin were notified by Meade County authorities and members of the Highway Patrol later that day. The young boys were identified as siblings, and Ms. Davis was their grandmother.

The driver of the 2020 Freightliner semi, 22-year-old Dishant Kukreja of Sunnyvale, California, was not injured and was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. His vehicle, which was pulling a 2021 Wabash trailer, was removed from the scene by Complete Tow.

There are no words adequate enough to capture the heartbreak this tragedy has caused. Three lives, spanning generations of one family, were lost in a moment. Teresa Davis was not only a grandmother, but also a trusted caregiver, whose final act was spent with her grandchildren. Hunter and Travis Welch were just beginning their lives, full of promise and possibility. Their loss is a grief that will echo far beyond their home in Meade.

As we reflect on this tragedy, we are reminded how fragile life is. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and entire Meade community during this incredibly difficult time.

Let us carry their memory with respect and compassion—and let this serve as a sobering reminder of the responsibility we all bear on the road.