Tulsa, Union Public Schools students and staff member killed in Kansas crash

Three people from Tulsa and Union Public Schools — including two students and a staff member — died in a crash over the weekend in Kansas, according to school officials.

Tulsa Public Schools said a student who attended Booker T. Washington High School and a staff member who worked in the transportation department were killed in the crash, along with five other people who have not yet been identified.

Union Public Schools confirmed that one of its students had died in the crash as well. The district released the following statement:

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I share the news of the tragic passing of one of our 9th grade students who died in a car accident yesterday. On behalf of the entire Union Public Schools community, I extend our deepest condolences to the student’s family, friends, and loved ones.

“We have activated our crisis response team and are providing additional counseling resources at the Union Freshman Academy and across the district. Licensed counselors, school psychologists, and support staff are available to meet with anyone who may need help processing this tragedy.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family, and everyone affected by this tragic event.”

According to TPS, the students were returning home from a youth basketball tournament when the crash happened. The collision occurred on U.S. Highway 169, about three miles northeast of Greeley, Kansas.

Grief counselors are available for students and staff.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.