photo by: Contributed

Elsa McGrain

Updated at 1:25 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8

The family of a 20-year-old University of Kansas student killed in a hit-and-run Thursday evening in North Lawrence is asking the public to provide any information it can about the case.

Elsa McGrain, of Omaha, Nebraska, was killed around 6 p.m. Thursday as she was jogging on North Seventh Street near Interstate 70. She was studying pre-medicine and was set to graduate in 2026, her family told police.

photo by: Contributed, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

An image of truck the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office suspects was involved in a fatal hit-and-run on Thursday evening. The Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying the vehicle.

A passerby notified dispatchers at 3:35 a.m. Friday after discovering her body near the road.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office posted a photo of the truck that may have been involved. Detectives have determined the vehicle of interest is all white with no side markings. Anyone who might have been in the area between 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday is asked to call Detective Lance Flachsbarth at 785-393-5845 or Douglas County Crime Stoppers at 785-843-TIPS (8477). The area was identified as the 1700 block of East 1500 Road, near Pine Landscape Center.

McGrain’s fellow Chi Omega sorority members on Saturday morning said, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved sister, Elsa McGrain. Elsa was the kind of person everyone wanted to be: genuine, kind, and full of light. She noticed the quiet one in the room, checked in on you whether things were good or bad, and was the loyal friend we all strive to be. She had a gift for making everyone around her feel valued and loved.”

“Our hearts go out to Elsa’s friends, family, and all those who were touched by her light,” the social media post said. “Her faith, kindness, and sisterhood will forever remain in our hearts.”