COLLEGE STUDENT SURVIVES NEARLY 70-FOOT FALL AFTER JUMPING FROM BRIDGE TO AVOID MULTI-VEHICLE CRASH

A 21-year-old Kansas State University student is recovering after falling nearly 70 feet from a bridge while trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle during a terrifying multi-vehicle crash.

Kyra Kinnison, a junior studying animal science and production management, was caught in the dangerous chain of events on Highway K-18 near Ogden, Kansas, on the night of September 25.

According to her friend Sara Celeen, Kyra and her boyfriend, Dalten Grabast, were traveling separately toward Salina when they encountered debris on the highway.

A pallet or other debris reportedly fell from a truck, creating a hazard on the roadway. Kyra’s boyfriend swerved to avoid it, but another vehicle then collided with his vehicle.

As additional vehicles became involved, the situation quickly turned into a multi-vehicle crash.

KYRA TRIED TO GET OUT OF THE WAY

Kyra had pulled over and gotten out of her vehicle as the crash unfolded.

She was standing along the shoulder of the highway when another vehicle began moving toward her while attempting to avoid the debris and other vehicles.

According to her friend, Kyra reacted by jumping backward to get out of the vehicle’s path.

Instead, she went over the bridge railing.

She fell approximately 70 feet to the area below the overpass.

The fall left Kyra with major injuries, including fractures to several vertebrae, her pelvis and her tailbone.

A COMPLEX RESCUE FOLLOWED

Emergency crews responding to the crash discovered Kyra below the bridge.

The Manhattan Fire Department used high-angle rescue equipment to reach her and lift her from the area beneath the bridge.

She was initially transported to Ascension Via Christi Hospital in critical condition.

The rescue required a coordinated response from multiple emergency agencies.

Manhattan Fire Department Battalion Chief Keith Habbart praised the responders involved, saying their quick thinking, teamwork and professionalism helped ensure Kyra could be rescued and taken for medical treatment.

SHE SUFFERED MULTIPLE FRACTURES

Kyra’s injuries were extensive.

Her friend said she suffered fractures along her back, including several vertebrae, as well as injuries to her pelvis and tailbone.

She later underwent surgery to realign her hips.

Despite the seriousness of the injuries, Kyra’s condition has improved.

An update shared by Celeen said Kyra was expected to recover and that she was able to walk with assistance.

“I’m just glad she’s not paralyzed for life,” Celeen told WIBW, describing the relief felt by those close to Kyra.

“SHE’S GOING TO BE OKAY”

Celeen described Kyra as a kind, intelligent and generous young woman who is always willing to help others.

“She is a very intelligent, beautiful, friendly, generous young woman,” Celeen wrote in a fundraising update.

Kyra is active in the KSU Dairy Science Club and KSU Dairy Judging Team and has worked at the university’s Dairy Unit.

Her studies in animal science and her experience working with cows and other animals are an important part of her life at Kansas State University.

Friends and family have since rallied around her as she begins the long process of recovery.

COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND HER

A GoFundMe campaign was created by Celeen to help Kyra with medical and recovery expenses.

More than $10,000 had been raised by September 30, according to PEOPLE.

Celeen said the support from the community has been overwhelming.

“I visited her yesterday with lots of gifts from coworkers and friends,” she wrote in an update.

Kyra also expressed her gratitude to everyone who has supported her, saying she loves and misses them.

Her family traveled from North Carolina to visit her in the hospital as she continued recovering.

For those closest to Kyra, the accident has been a frightening reminder of how quickly an ordinary journey can turn into a life-changing moment.

Yet despite the severity of her injuries, Kyra has continued making progress.

Her friends now hope that the same strength that helped her survive the fall will carry her through the difficult road ahead.

For a young college student with plans for her future, the focus is now on healing, rehabilitation and getting back to the life she had before that September night.