Heartbreak in Kincaid: Community Mourns Loss of 16-Year-Old Wyatt Witham Following Tragic UTV Accident
KINCAID, KS — June 9, 2025 — The tight-knit rural community of Kincaid, Kansas, is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of 16-year-old Wyatt Witham, who tragically died on Friday, June 6, following a devastating utility terrain vehicle (UTV) accident. Wyatt, known for his kind heart, adventurous spirit, and deep ties to the local community, was involved in the accident during what was supposed to be a routine and joyful evening ride.
According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, emergency responders were called to the scene of the crash just outside the town limits around 7:15 p.m. Friday evening. Upon arrival, they discovered that Wyatt had sustained critical injuries when the UTV he was operating rolled over on a gravel road. Despite rapid response efforts and subsequent emergency transport, Wyatt succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital later that night.
The accident remains under investigation, but officials have indicated there is no suspicion of foul play or intoxication involved. Authorities believe loose terrain and high speed may have contributed to the rollover, underscoring the unpredictable danger that can accompany even routine recreational vehicle use.
Wyatt Witham was more than just a teenager; he was a beloved son, brother, grandson, classmate, and friend whose radiant energy left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew him. A student at Crest High School, Wyatt was admired by peers and teachers alike for his unwavering loyalty, strong work ethic, and down-to-earth nature. Teachers recalled his willingness to help others, while classmates described him as someone who could lift spirits with just a smile or a joke.
Outside of school, Wyatt had a deep love for the outdoors and was frequently seen riding UTVs and dirt bikes across the Kansas countryside with friends and family. His adventurous soul found peace in nature, whether he was hunting, fishing, or working on engines. He had aspirations of working in the mechanical or agricultural field and was already gaining hands-on experience helping neighbors with repairs and farm equipment.
“He had this old soul kind of wisdom,” said Jennifer Hayworth, a family friend and neighbor. “He was only 16, but he already carried the heart of a man who understood what it meant to be dependable and kind. Everyone in town trusted him, and everyone loved him.”
Wyatt’s parents, Jake and Emily Witham, released a short statement thanking the community for the outpouring of love and support they’ve received during what they described as an “unimaginable loss.”
“Our son was everything to us. He was joy, he was courage, he was kindness wrapped in a cowboy’s heart,” the statement read. “We ask for prayers and privacy as we learn to live with this unimaginable pain.”
A candlelight vigil was held Saturday evening on the Crest High School football field, where hundreds of community members gathered to honor Wyatt’s life. Teens wept in each other’s arms, teachers shared fond memories, and candles flickered against the wind as friends and loved ones took turns sharing stories about the young man who meant so much to so many.
Pastor Mark Ellison of the Kincaid Community Church led the gathering in prayer and remembrance.
“Wyatt was a light, a young man who lived with purpose and love,” Pastor Ellison said. “Though his time with us was far too short, his legacy will echo in this community for generations. We grieve not just for what we’ve lost, but for what the world will never get to experience through him.”
Funeral services for Wyatt Witham will be held Thursday, June 12, at 11 a.m. at the Kincaid Community Church. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Garnett. Burial will follow the funeral at the Kincaid Cemetery.
The family has invited all who knew Wyatt to attend and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted to establish the Wyatt Witham Memorial Fund, which will go toward supporting youth agricultural and mechanical programs in Anderson County — a cause Wyatt deeply believed in.
As the town of Kincaid tries to come to terms with the loss of a vibrant life taken far too soon, friends and family continue to cling to the cherished memories of Wyatt’s laughter, compassion, and generous spirit.
“Wyatt wasn’t just a good kid — he was one of the best,” said his older cousin, Mason. “He made you proud to know him. He made you want to be better. That’s what he leaves behind.”
In the heart of Kansas, a community mourns — but in its grief, it also remembers, honors, and cherishes the young life of Wyatt Witham.