In Loving Memory of Gary Stoll

In Loving Memory of Gary Stoll

The community of Thomas County is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 75-year-old Gary Stoll of Oakley, whose life was tragically taken in a chain-reaction crash along Interstate 70 on Tuesday afternoon.

What began as an ordinary day quickly turned devastating when blowing dust swept across the highway near milepost 66 around 1:15 p.m., reducing visibility to nearly zero and creating extremely hazardous driving conditions. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the sudden dust storm set off a sequence of events that ultimately claimed Gary’s life.

Investigators reported that a 2025 Volvo Power Unit tractor traveling eastbound entered the blinding dust and slowed as visibility vanished. A 2023 Toyota Highlander traveling behind it was unable to stop in time and struck the rear of the trailer. While the tractor continued to the nearby J&J Truck Stop, the Highlander remained stopped in the right lane.

Soon after, a 2023 Freightliner approached. Its onboard crash detection system activated, successfully bringing the semi-truck to a stop before colliding with another disabled vehicle already involved in a separate roadway incident.

Behind the Freightliner was a 2024 Ford Explorer driven by Gary Stoll. In the dangerous, dust-choked conditions, his vehicle struck the rear of the semi-trailer. The force of the collision redirected his SUV into the median, where it came to rest facing south. Gary suffered fatal injuries in the crash.

A Life of Steady Presence and Quiet Strength

Beyond the tragic details of that afternoon, Gary Stoll was far more than the circumstances of his passing. He was a husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend — a man whose 75 years were marked by dedication, hard work, and love for his family and community.

Those who knew Gary describe him as dependable and kind-hearted, someone who valued integrity and treated others with respect. In a town like Oakley, relationships run deep, and Gary was woven into the fabric of daily life. Whether through community gatherings, local events, or simple neighborly conversations, he built connections that lasted decades.

Friends recall his steady demeanor and willingness to lend a helping hand. He believed in showing up — for family milestones, for friends in need, for the quiet responsibilities that make a life meaningful. His presence was reassuring, the kind that made others feel grounded and supported.

A Community in Mourning

The sudden nature of the crash has left many in disbelief. Blowing dust storms are a known hazard along stretches of Interstate 70, yet each tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly conditions can change and how fragile life truly is.

As news of Gary’s passing spread, messages of sympathy and remembrance began pouring in. Neighbors speak of his warm greetings and thoughtful conversations. Family members hold tightly to memories of shared holidays, laughter around the dinner table, and the wisdom he passed down through generations.

For his loved ones, the loss is immeasurable. Seventy-five years represent a lifetime of stories — childhood memories, career accomplishments, family traditions, and quiet everyday moments that now feel priceless. While grief weighs heavily on their hearts, so too does gratitude for the years they were blessed to share with him.

Honoring His Memory

In the days ahead, Gary will be remembered not for the tragic storm that obscured the highway, but for the light he brought into the lives of those around him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, and the example he set through a life well lived.

As Thomas County grieves, may the community find comfort in unity and shared remembrance. May Gary Stoll’s family be surrounded by strength, compassion, and peace during this profoundly difficult time.

Though the dust that day clouded the road, it cannot cloud the memory of a man whose life touched so many.

May Gary Stoll rest in eternal peace.