Dylan Higgins, a 17-year-old senior at Wamego High School in Kansas, has died following a UTV crash northeast of Wamego, leaving his family, classmates, teammates and the wider community mourning a devastating loss.
The crash occurred early Sunday, September 13, near Old Post Road and Genn Road in Pottawatomie County. Higgins was identified as the fatality victim after emergency crews responded to the scene.
News of his death prompted an immediate response from Wamego High School, where he was remembered as a member of the senior class and the school’s football program.
Dylan Higgins Killed in Early-Morning UTV Crash
According to information released by the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened at approximately 12:50 a.m. Sunday near Old Post Road and Genn Road northeast of Wamego.
The UTV was traveling eastbound on Old Post Road when the driver attempted to turn south onto Genn Road and lost control of the vehicle.
Three people were inside the UTV.
Higgins, who was a passenger, was ejected during the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, identified as 18-year-old Harry Costa of Wamego, was reported uninjured. Another passenger, 16-year-old Emily Crocker of Wamego, suffered minor injuries and did not require transportation to a hospital.
The circumstances remain under investigation.
Wamego High School Mourns Senior Dylan Higgins
The death of Higgins has deeply affected the Wamego High School community.
School officials confirmed his death and shared a message asking students, staff and others to show compassion and respect for those directly affected by the tragedy.
Monday was already scheduled as a staff professional learning day, meaning students were not in school as the community began processing the news.
The loss of a student can have a profound effect on classmates, teachers and staff, particularly when a young life is lost so unexpectedly.
Dylan Higgins Was a Wamego Football Player
Higgins was also known within the Wamego football program.
He played defensive back for the Wamego Red Raiders and was listed as a senior on the team’s 2026 roster.
His involvement in athletics placed him within another close-knit part of the school community, where teammates and coaches share experiences both on and away from the field.
The loss of a senior athlete at the beginning of a school year is especially difficult for a team preparing for another season together.
For those who knew Higgins through football, memories of practices, games and time spent with teammates will now form part of how he is remembered.
Dylan Higgins Obituary Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Dylan Higgins |
| Age | 17 |
| Hometown | Wamego, Kansas |
| School | Wamego High School |
| Class | Senior |
| Known for | Wamego football player |
| Position | Defensive back |
| Date of crash | September 13, 2026 |
| Crash location | Near Old Post Road and Genn Road, northeast of Wamego |
| Vehicle | UTV |
| Reported cause of death | Fatal injuries sustained in the crash |
| Funeral arrangements | Not announced |
What Happened in the Wamego UTV Crash?
The crash remains under investigation by the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities reported that the UTV was traveling east on Old Post Road before the driver attempted to turn south onto Genn Road.
The driver lost control, resulting in the crash.
Higgins was ejected from the UTV and died at the scene.
The other two occupants survived, with the driver reported uninjured and the second passenger sustaining minor injuries.
No additional details concerning speed, road conditions or other potential contributing factors have been established in the information currently available.
A Young Life Remembered by the Wamego Community
At 17, Higgins was still in the early stages of his life, with his senior year at Wamego High School ahead of him.
For his family, the loss represents the sudden ending of a young life and the future they expected him to have.
For classmates and teammates, his death changes a familiar part of their school community.
The memories created during high school, particularly through friendships and athletics, can remain important long after graduation. Higgins’ connection to Wamego High School and its football program means many members of the community will remember him through the time they shared with him.
Friends, Teammates and Classmates Face Sudden Loss
The death of a teenager can affect an entire community because young people often maintain close connections through school, sports and friendships.
Higgins’ classmates are now confronting the loss of someone who was expected to continue sharing the school year with them.
His teammates are similarly facing the absence of a fellow player and member of their football program.
As the community mourns, support from family, friends, teachers, coaches and classmates can become especially important.
Investigation Into Fatal Crash Continues
Authorities have not indicated that the investigation into the UTV crash is complete.
Investigators will continue working to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and determine whether additional information should be released.
The available information identifies Higgins as the person who died and provides details about the location, vehicle and other occupants, but further findings may clarify the circumstances of the crash.
Any additional official information is expected to come from the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office or other authorities involved in the investigation.
Funeral Arrangements for Dylan Higgins
Funeral, visitation and memorial arrangements for Dylan Higgins had not been announced in the information available.
Additional details may be released by his family or another authorized source.
As the Wamego community waits for those arrangements, the immediate focus remains on supporting Higgins’ loved ones and those at Wamego High School affected by his death.
Dylan Higgins Remembered as Wamego Senior
Dylan Higgins’ death has left a grieving family and a community mourning the loss of a 17-year-old who was preparing for his senior year at Wamego High School.
He will be remembered by many through his connection to the Wamego football program, his classmates and the friendships he formed during his years in the community.
The UTV crash has brought an abrupt end to a young life and left many people facing the difficult reality of losing someone they expected to see continue into adulthood.
As family, friends, teammates and classmates mourn, the memories they shared with Dylan Higgins will remain an important part of his legacy.
Disclaimer
This obituary is based on current reporting and information released concerning the death of Dylan Higgins, 17, of Wamego, Kansas. Authorities reported that Higgins died after being ejected from a UTV during a crash near Old Post Road and Genn Road northeast of Wamego on September 13, 2026. The investigation remains ongoing. Funeral arrangements and additional family information had not been announced in the available reports. Details may be updated if authorities or the family release further confirmed information.