Injury Crash Near Ellis Sends Four to the Hospital, Including Child with Serious Injuries

Trego County, KS – June 13, 2025

An afternoon crash just west of Ellis resulted in multiple injuries and sent three members of the same family to the hospital, including a 10-year-old girl with suspected serious injuries.

The accident occurred at approximately 5:42 PM at the intersection of Old Highway 40 and 400 Avenue, about two miles west of Ellis. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 1993 Ford Ranger, driven by 69-year-old Gregory J. Kroeger of Ellis, was traveling northbound on 400 Avenue and failed to yield at the intersection. The Ranger struck a 2001 Subaru Forester that was traveling westbound on Old Highway 40.

The impact hit the Subaru between the driver’s and rear doors, causing it to spin and roll multiple times before coming to rest on its driver's side in the north ditch, facing east. The Ford Ranger came to rest in the intersection, facing south.

Inside the Subaru were driver Crystal Y. Hoffert, 32, of Ellis; James D. Hoffert, 40, of Hays; and 10-year-old female Hoffert, also of Ellis. All three were transported to Lemke Memorial Hospital. Crystal and James sustained suspected minor injuries. Female 10 year old was reported to have suspected serious injuries, despite wearing a seatbelt.

Gregory Kroeger, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was also injured and is reported to have suffered suspected minor injuries. He was not transported from the scene.

Both vehicles were insured through State Farm. The Subaru was removed from the scene by Dreiling Field Service, while the Ford was removed by the owner.

The crash remains under investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol. (Info taken from KHP Crash Log)