In Norton County, an accident occurred shortly after 10 a.m. on Thursday, resulting in the death of one individual. The Kansas Highway Patrol has reported that a 2001 Ford Explorer, operated by 29-year-old Melanie A. Cotton from Lenora, was traveling southbound on U.S. 283, approximately two and a half miles south of Norton.
The vehicle veered off the right side of the roadway before returning to the road and crossing the center line. In an attempt to regain control, the driver overcorrected, causing the SUV to roll over multiple times before finally coming to a stop in the northbound lane. Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported a passenger, identified as 20-year-old Senquay R. Montes from Lenora, to Norton County Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Additionally, EMS transported both Melanie Cotton and another passenger, 75-year-old Betty L. Cotton, also from Lenora, to the same hospital for treatment. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Montes was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
