fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

MAYETTA, Kan. — Rachael McCoy, 29, an employee of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s transportation department, passed away on Wednesday from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle accident that occurred on Tuesday morning.

Early last Tuesday morning, McCoy, who was driving a pickup truck with her two children, was hit by automobile at the intersection of Highway 75 & 158th Road in Mayetta, Kan. near the tribal headquarters.

McCoy, her two children and the driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash were injured.

Potawatomi Tribal Fire personnel initially found multiple critically injured patients being attended by PBPN administrative and Health Center employees, along with two employees from Stormont Vail and one Washburn University nursing student.

“We are deeply saddened by this loss of life and the impact it will have on her family and our community,” Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribal Chairman Joseph Rupnick said. “And we are also grateful for the support of all who were directly involved in assisting during this critical incident.”

Tribal fire ambulances transported three critically injured patients from the crash scene to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.

Assisting at the scene of the accident were the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police Department and dispatchers, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Kansas Highway Patrol.

McCoy was employed as a lead driver/supervisor at the Prairie Band Potawatomi Transportation Department. She is survived by her husband Justin McCoy, daughter Delilah, 10, and son Wyatt, 7.

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (December 10, 2023): D.C. Briefs
December 10th is the 75th Human Rights Day
Vice President Harris Addresses Indian Boarding Schools at the White House Tribal Nations Summit
Native News Online Reporter Selected for Oxford Climate Reporting Fellowship
'This has Been a Train Wreck for a Long Time' | Fentanyl Trafficking, Underfunded Tribal Enforcement Subject of Senate Committee Hearing

Together, we can educate, enlighten, and empower.

November is celebrated as “Native American Heritage Month.” At Native News Online, we amplify Native voices and share our relatives’ unique perspectives every day of the year. We believe every month should celebrate Native American heritage. 
If you appreciate our commitment to Native voices and our mission to tell stories that connect us to our roots and inspire understanding and respect, we hope you will consider making a donation this month to support our work. For those who commit to a recurring donation of $12 per month or more, or make a one-time donation of $150 or greater, we're excited to offer you a copy of our upcoming Indian Boarding School publication and access to our quarterly Founder’s Circle meetings and newsletter.  
About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].