Speed, alcohol blamed in fatal crash

Police release report on wreck involving Tonganoxie men

Speed, wet roads and alcohol all were contributing factors in the wreck early Friday that killed two Tonganoxie men, according to a preliminary Lawrence Police report released Wednesday.

According to the report, early investigation of the wreck showed the Ford Mustang driven by 21-year-old Jacob Wyrick was going at a “high rate of speed” on southbound Iowa Street shortly before it collided with a northbound tractor-trailer near 21st Street.

The report also lists alcohol and the rain as contributing factors, but further details – such as a blood-alcohol level or the speed at which police believe Wyrick was driving – were not available. Police still are working on a more detailed incident report.

Both Wyrick and his passenger, 21-year-old Ben Pickert, were wearing seat belts, according to the report.

Friends said the two men had planned to come to Lawrence that night to go to a local country bar, the Cadillac Ranch. The wreck happened shortly before 2 a.m.

Police said the driver of the tractor-trailer saw the Mustang spinning toward him and stopped in traffic to try to avoid a collision.