Search for driver of van involved in crash that killed 9-year-old ongoing after vehicle found

Investigators with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said on Monday they believe they have found the van that crashed into a motorcycle Saturday, resulting in the death of 9-year-old Brooklyn Brouhard.

The van, which law enforcement said was likely a 2013 to 2019 white Ford Transit Connect XL Model, was spotted in the Greater Kansas City Area, said the sheriff’s office.

Investigators are still working to identify the driver of the van, which was missing its front-end bumper cover and splash guard as a result of the accident.

“Deputies and detectives have worked tirelessly since this tragic event to obtain any information about the suspected driver and vehicle,” Sheriff Jay Armbrister said in a statement on the department’s Facebook page. “We will continue to do everything we can to bring answers for Brooklyn and her family. We thank everyone who has assisted so far, and we continue to make a plea to the driver to turn yourself in.”

The crash occurred along East 1900 Road and Kansas Highway 10 as the motorcycle was heading north on East 1900 Road around 5:15 p.m. The driver of the van pulled from a stop sign at the top of the ramp from eastbound K-10 and allegedly collided with the motorcycle, the sheriff’s office said.

The motorcycle overturned, and witnesses said the driver of the van fled the scene, continuing onto eastbound K-10, leaving a part of the van’s bumper behind.

54-year-old Barry Larson, Brouhard’s grandfather, was driving the motorcycle and sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Brouhard was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but later died from the injuries she sustained.

The Sheriff’s office urged anyone with information to call 785-843-0250.