Nearly two years after a devastating crash on a rural Morris County gravel road claimed the lives of three Minnesota family members, the tragedy remains one that local residents still remember vividly.
At the time, news of the collision spread quickly throughout the Flint Hills region. Yet because those killed and injured were visitors from Minnesota, little has publicly been heard about the case since the days immediately following the accident.
Now, through reporting by the Pioneer Press of Minnesota, Kansas Highway Patrol investigative documents and conversations with survivor Paul Porter, new details continue to emerge about the May 25, 2024, crash northwest of Council Grove.
The accident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. on Kelso Road during Memorial Day weekend. Members of the Porter family had gathered in Kansas for a reunion and were traveling in a two-car caravan to Parkerville.
In the second vehicle, a 2024 Toyota RAV4, were driver Troy Sabean, 33, of Roseville, Minnesota; his wife, Emma Porter, 33; Emma’s father, Paul Porter, 68, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; Porter’s then-wife, Kathleen “Katy” LeBarron, 64, of Edina, Minnesota; and Emma’s aunt, Ann Porter, 69, of Fergus Falls.
Paul Porter was seated in the front passenger seat. LeBarron was seated behind driver Troy Sabean.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol investigation, a southbound Ram 1500 pickup collided head-on with the RAV4 on the gravel roadway. Investigators reported the pickup truck was traveling 74 miles per hour five seconds before impact on a road posted for 55 mph traffic. The RAV4 was traveling at 46 miles per hour.
Troy Sabean, Emma Porter and Ann Porter died from injuries sustained in the crash. Paul Porter and LeBarron survived but suffered catastrophic injuries requiring extensive surgeries, hospitalization and rehabilitation.
Forensic mapping prepared by the Kansas Highway Patrol’s Critical Highway Accident Response Team documented the crash scene and the area of impact. Additional analysis contained within the investigative materials argued the Ram pickup was over the center of the roadway at the moment of impact while the RAV4 remained on its side of the road.
Family members continue to believe charges should be filed against the pickup driver related to speeding and reckless driving resulting in death. The Morris County Attorney’s Office ultimately declined to pursue charges, describing the collision as a tragic accident and citing concerns regarding the ability to secure a criminal conviction under Kansas law.
That decision has remained deeply painful for surviving family members, who say they still feel unanswered questions linger regarding the handling of the case.
The Pioneer Press article detailed not only the investigation, but the lives behind the headlines.
Emma Porter was remembered as intelligent, adventurous and compassionate — a scientist who loved hiking, nature and helping others. Troy Sabean was described as deeply caring, thoughtful and protective of people around him. Family members said the two shared an extraordinary bond built around travel, music, volunteering and the outdoors. Ann Porter spent her career and retirement seeing to the needs of students and family. She was looking forward to travel and adventures.
LeBarron endured multiple surgeries and months of recovery after surviving the collision. Paul Porter also suffered severe injuries. Both survivors continue working to rebuild their lives physically and emotionally.
Today, white crosses stand near the crash site on Kelso Road as a reminder of the lives lost that afternoon. Memorials have also been established in Minnesota honoring Troy Sabean, Emma Porter and Ann Porter.
For many in Morris County, the accident remains difficult to forget.
What began as a Memorial Day weekend trip to honor family members buried in Kansas instead became a tragedy that forever changed multiple families — and one whose impact continues to be felt nearly two years later.
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