LAWRENCE, Kan. — Authorities have identified the runner struck and killed by a vehicle Thursday evening north of Lawrence as 20-year-old Elsa McGrain, a University of Kansas student from Omaha.
According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DGSO), McGrain was running in the 1700 block of East 1500 Road around 6 p.m. Thursday when she was hit by a vehicle. A passerby discovered her near the roadway early Friday morning and called dispatch at 3:35 a.m.
Deputies said McGrain, a Lawrence resident and pre-medicine student, was on track to graduate next year. “Our hearts go out to Elsa’s family and friends in this incredibly tragic situation,” DGSO said in a statement released Saturday afternoon.
Investigators believe the vehicle involved was an all-white truck with no side markings. Deputies and detectives are continuing to investigate and search for the driver responsible.
“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,” said DGSO spokesperson George Diepenbrock.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or who was in the area between 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday to contact Detective Lance Flachsbarth at 785-393-5845 or reach out to Douglas County Crime Stoppers at 785-843-TIPS (8477).
McGrain’s death has deeply impacted both the KU community and those who knew her. Friends and classmates remember her as a bright, determined young woman with a passion for helping others and a promising future ahead.