State

Remembering those we've lost

Stories by Wichita Eagle journalists, with AI summarization

These curated articles share a focus on commemorating individuals who left lasting impressions through their contributions and relationships. They highlight how each person shaped their communities and inspired those around them.

NO. 1: ‘ONCE IN A LIFETIME TYPE OF FRIENDSHIP’: WICHITA MAN REMEMBERED AFTER HIT-AND-RUN CRASH

Jaz D’ Oray Brooks, 28, had aspirations of starting a family and raising a son. | Published July 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Eduardo Castillo

Emma Brungardt competes in the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Rodeo in Durant, Oklahoma. Courtesy photo

NO. 2: FAMILY, FRIENDS REMEMBER 2024 MISS TEEN RODEO KANSAS FOR HER HARD WORK AND PASSION

She was 19 when she died in an accident on Oct. 4. | Published October 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michael Stavola

Jesse Pitcher holds up some geese that he shot. The 30-year-old died in the fatal collision over D.C. after flying home, back to Maryland, after a hunting trip in Kansas. Courtesy photo

NO. 3: ‘HE HAD EVERYTHING GOING FOR HIM’: REMEMBERING HARDWORKING MARYLAND MAN WHO DIED IN CRASH

He was with friends coming back from a hunting trip in Kansas. | Published January 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michael Stavola

Kiah Duggins was set to become a professor at Howard University School of Law, according to the university.

NO. 4: CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY, WICHITA STATE GRAD REMEMBERED AS ‘BEACON OF LIGHT’ AFTER PLANE CRASH

“When I found out she got into Harvard Law. I mean, of course, she did,” one of her undergraduate professors said. | Published January 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kylie Cameron

NO. 5: FLIGHT 5342 VICTIM DUSTIN MILLER WOULD WANT LOVED ONES TO ‘KEEP IT LIGHT,’ ROOT FOR CHIEFS

“I speak for my family when I say Dustin was the funniest guy in the room.” | Published February 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Matthew Kelly

NO. 6: MARYLAND MAN KILLED IN WICHITA-TO-D.C. FLIGHT HAD A PASSION FOR THE OUTDOORS

Steven M. Johnson, one of the seven Maryland hunters killed in the crash of Flight 5342, traveled the world chasing wildlife. | Published February 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chance Swaim

NO. 7: SONS OF EBY CONSTRUCTION FOUNDERS EACH DIE WITHIN A DAY: ‘IT’S LIKE AN END OF AN ERA’

Brothers Charles and Martin Eby Jr. were known for building their family’s construction company into a large national firm. | Published March 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Carrie Rengers

William Polite was a well-known and beloved community advocate known for his work with Wichita Public Schools. He died April 19 at age 58. Courtesy photo

NO. 8: ‘INCREDIBLE MAN’: FRIENDS, FAMILY REMEMBER LONGTIME ADVOCATE FOR WICHITA SCHOOL KIDS

“Having him as a dad ... we had to share him with hundreds of people not just in Wichita, but across the country. Daddy worked as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and executive director.” | Published April 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Eduardo Castillo

NO. 9: BISHOP RICHARD WILKE'S LEGACY: A LIFE OF FAITH AND IMPACT ON GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY

United Methodist Bishop Richard Wilke left a legacy around the world with his Bible teachings, but he made countless personal impacts, too. | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Carrie Rengers

From left: Silas, Arlo and Britton Eichbauer, all of Wichita, died in a June 11 crash when coming back home after a multi-state trip. Courtesy photos

NO. 10: A TEACHER. A DIVER. A SKILLFUL TEEN. REMEMBERING WICHITA FAMILY MEMBERS KILLED IN CRASH

The three died June 11 in an accident in Butler County. | Published June 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michael Stavola

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.