WICHITA, Kan. — Authorities are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Wichita man early Monday morning on Interstate 135, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP). The crash occurred shortly after 5 a.m. in the northbound lanes near the north Hydraulic exit.
Investigators said 39-year-old Bradley Theis was driving a Dodge Nitro when he lost control while attempting to exit the highway. The vehicle veered off the road into a grassy median located between the entrance and exit ramps, where it became airborne and landed in a ditch on the east side of the highway. The SUV rolled several times before striking a light pole and coming to rest on its roof.
Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene, but Theis was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers confirmed that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, which may have contributed to the fatal outcome. No other vehicles or individuals were involved, and no additional injuries were reported.
The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash. Troopers are examining road conditions, vehicle mechanics, and environmental factors such as lighting and visibility to determine what led to the loss of control. Early indications suggest that speed and ramp curvature could have played a role. Investigators are also working to reconstruct the events using data from the scene, including skid marks and vehicle debris.
Officials stressed the importance of seatbelt use and caution on highway exits, particularly during early morning hours when conditions may be dim or slick. “Even familiar roads can be dangerous if drivers misjudge speed or visibility,” a KHP spokesperson said. “Wearing a seatbelt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent death in serious crashes.”
The northbound lanes of I-135 near Hydraulic were briefly closed Monday morning while crews cleared debris and secured the scene. Traffic has since returned to normal. Authorities have expressed condolences to Theis’s family and friends and urged drivers to remain vigilant, obey posted speed limits, and slow down before entering or exiting ramps. The investigation remains ongoing.