TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Washburn University men’s basketball coach Brett Ballard was seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash Tuesday night on Interstate 470 in southeast Topeka, authorities said.
The crash was reported at 8:17 p.m. Tuesday along the Kansas Turnpike on I-470 just west of the Interstate 470-Interstate 70 split.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol’s online crash log, Ballard, 46, was driving a 2024 Ford F-150 pickup truck west on I-470 when the vehicle left the roadway and went to the left, where it struck a delineator post, the embankment and then a bridge pillar.
Ballard, who was alone in the truck, was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital with serious injuries.
The patrol said Ballard was wearing his seat belt.
Washburn University President JuliAnn Mazachek released a statement around 9:16 a.m. Wednesday.
“We are deeply saddened to share that Coach Brett Ballard was seriously injured in a car accident last evening,” Mazachek said. “Our hearts are with Coach Ballard, his family, the men’s basketball program and all who are affected during this difficult time.
“We ask our community to keep them in their thoughts during this time of recovery and to respect the family’s privacy. The university will share additional information when appropriate.”
Ballard has been the head coach of Washburn University’s men’s basketball team since the 2017-18 season.
A Hutchinson native, he played from 2000 to 2002 at the University of Kansas.
Additional details weren’t immediately available.
Check wibw.com later for more information as it becomes available.
Copyright 2026 WIBW. All rights reserved.
