By Roger McKinney
rmckinney@joplinglobe.com
PITTSBURG, Kan. — A 13-year-old Pittsburg girl died Thursday from a crash that involved a police chase.
Taylor Kemp, a passenger in the car driven by her mother, died at the scene, according to the Kansas State Highway Patrol. The crash happened at 9:35 p.m. about five miles south of Pittsburg on Highway 69.
The patrol reported a car driven by Kaston Hudgins, 22, of Galena, was headed north, being pursued by a Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department patrol car. The Hudgins car struck the rear of a northbound vehicle driven by Teresa Kemp, 41, of Pittsburg. Teresa Kemp is Taylor Kemp’s mother, according to the patrol.
The drivers and the victim were extricated from the wrecked vehicles, a Sheriff’s Department spokesman said.
Hudgins and Teresa Kemp each were taken by helicopter to St. John’s Regional Medical Center, Joplin. The hospital on Friday afternoon listed Teresa Kemp’s condition as critical. There was no information about Hudgins’ condition.
Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves said a sheriff’s deputy had attempted a traffic stop near Crestline when Hudgins fled in his car. Groves declined to reveal the reason for the traffic stop, saying such information could hinder future prosecution. He referred questions about the accident to the Highway Patrol, which is investigating.
Kansas Highway Patrol Capt. Rick Wilson said the reason for the traffic stop had not been determined.
“It will take us awhile to get the investigation done,” Wilson said.
Groves said the Sheriff’s Department had started an internal review to determine if department policy was followed. He said the department performs a review after any pursuit.
“This is an incredibly tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the families and friends affected by this event,” Groves said.
Cherokee County Attorney John Bullard said he would review the investigative report for possible prosecution when the Highway Patrol provides it.
Teresa Kemp is a teacher at Riverton Middle School, a school district secretary said.
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