Speed believed factor in student’s crash

A 20-year-old Baker University junior was listed in critical condition in intensive care Tuesday after she was injured in a rollover wreck Sunday south of Lawrence.

Molly K. Larson, Vancouver, Wash., remained at Kansas University Hospital after she was extricated from her 1997 Nissan Pathfinder that had rolled at least three times Sunday afternoon on County Road 1055, about 2 miles south of Lawrence.

According to a Douglas County sheriff’s accident report released Tuesday, two witnesses said Larson appeared to be driving 70 to 75 mph when she passed them minutes before they came upon her accident. The speed limit on that stretch of road – which has no shoulders but is paved – is 55 mph. The accident report also listed driver inattention as a contributing factor.

Larson wore her seat belt.

Baker University organized a prayer service Tuesday night at the Baldwin City campus, spokesman Steve Rottinghaus said.