University of Kansas Student Struck and Killed in Hit-and-Run While Jogging Near Lawrence Airport
LAWRENCE, KANSAS — A 20-year-old University of Kansas student was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while jogging near the Lawrence Regional Airport, west of Kansas City, in what investigators have described as a heartbreaking and senseless tragedy.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as Elsa McGrain, a pre-med student from Omaha, Nebraska, who was set to graduate in 2026. Authorities said McGrain was jogging along a rural stretch of road when she was hit around 6 p.m. Thursday.
Her body remained undiscovered for nearly 10 hours, until a passerby found her around 3:35 a.m. Friday and called police.
Arrest Made in Connection with the Fatal Hit-and-Run
Investigators later arrested 36-year-old William Ray Klinger of Lawrence in connection with the crash. He was booked into the Douglas County Jail on charges of involuntary manslaughter and failure to appear.
Klinger has a previous criminal history, including multiple drug-related offenses, according to online court records.
The sheriff’s office also released surveillance images of a white pickup truck with no side markings, believed to be the vehicle that struck McGrain before fleeing the scene.
“Our hearts go out to Elsa’s family and friends in this incredibly tragic situation,” the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said in a public statement.
Remembering a Bright and Compassionate Student
McGrain’s death has shaken both the University of Kansas community and her sorority sisters at Chi Omega, where she served as house manager on the executive board.
“Elsa was the kind of person everyone wanted to be — genuine, kind, and full of light,” Chi Omega wrote in a statement on Instagram.
“She noticed the quiet one in the room, checked in on you whether things were good or bad, and was the loyal friend we all strive to be.”
Friends described her as driven and deeply caring, balancing her pre-med coursework with a passion for faith, service, and sisterhood.
A Tragic End to a Promising Life
Investigators believe Elsa was struck between 6 and 6:30 p.m. while running along a dark, rural road near the airport. The driver allegedly fled without stopping, leaving her in the dark along the roadside.
McGrain was known for her compassionate heart and dedication to helping others, qualities that made her a standout among her peers and professors.
“She wanted to be a pharmacist so bad,” said her sister, Courtney. “She loved helping others and would give you the clothes off her back if you needed it.”
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