Post updated at 1:03 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8; photos updated at 1:21 p.m.:
The runner who was struck and killed by a vehicle Thursday evening north of Lawrence was Elsa McGrain, 20, a University of Kansas student from Omaha.
Deputies were still looking for the driver who struck her as of Saturday afternoon.
McGrain, a Lawrence resident, was studying premedicine and would have graduated next year, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
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“Our hearts go out to Elsa’s family and friends in this incredibly tragic situation,” DGSO said in a news release Saturday afternoon.
McGrain was running in the 1700 block of East 1500 Road around 6 p.m. Thursday when she was struck by a vehicle.
Update:
• Sheriff’s office makes arrest in fatal hit-and-run north of Lawrence, Nov. 9, 2025
A passerby called dispatch around 3:35 a.m. Friday saying they had found a person near the road.
Detectives have determined the vehicle of interest is a truck that is all white with no side markings, according to George Diepenbrock, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.
“Our deputies and detectives continue to work diligently to investigate this thoroughly, find the driver involved and work appropriately through the justice system from there,” DGSO said in the release.
“DGSO continues to ask anyone who might have information about the vehicle in the photo or been in the area on E 1500 Road between 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday and has potential information to call DGSO Detective Lance Flachsbarth, 785-393-5845, or Douglas County Crime Stoppers, 785-843-TIPS (8477), and leave your contact information.”
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