Heartbreak on I-70: Missing 14-Year-Old Mario Myers Fatally Struck Hours After Endangered Alert Issued in Kansas City

Heartbreak on I-70: Missing 14-Year-Old Mario Myers Fatally Struck Hours After Endangered Alert Issued in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, MO — A devastating tragedy struck the Kansas City community in the early hours of Thursday morning as a missing child, 14-year-old Mario Myers, was fatally struck by a vehicle on Interstate 70. Authorities confirm that the teen, who had been reported missing and endangered only hours before the incident, died after being hit while he was either standing or walking on the busy highway.

According to the Kansas City Police Department, emergency responders were called to the scene on I-70 around 4:00 a.m., where they discovered the boy’s body following reports of a pedestrian being struck by a passing motorist. Paramedics arrived swiftly, but Mario was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.

Investigators believe that Mario may have entered the interstate on foot under unclear circumstances. While the exact timeline leading up to the tragic collision is still being pieced together, authorities have confirmed that the teen was the subject of a missing and endangered person alert issued just hours prior. Law enforcement officials had been searching for him, hoping to bring him home safely.

“This is a heartbreaking case,” said a spokesperson for the Kansas City Police Department. “We were actively looking for Mario, and it’s devastating that the outcome was not the one we hoped for. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and everyone impacted by this loss.”

The driver involved in the crash remained on the scene and is cooperating with investigators. At this time, no charges have been filed, and there is no indication that impairment or reckless driving played a role in the collision. The investigation remains active as police work to determine all contributing factors, including how and why Mario ended up on the interstate during the pre-dawn hours.

Family members of the teen are grappling with the unimaginable grief of losing a child in such a sudden and tragic manner. Described as a “gentle soul” with a bright smile and a kind heart, Mario was known for his artistic talents, love of sports, and deep bond with his siblings. His family had been desperately searching for him, holding onto hope that he would be found safe.

The Kansas City community has already begun rallying around the Myers family, offering support, prayers, and expressions of sorrow as they try to make sense of the tragedy. Local advocates for youth safety have called for increased awareness and support services for vulnerable teens, urging the community to come together in times like these.

A memorial is being planned to honor Mario’s life, and community leaders are encouraging anyone struggling with the emotional weight of this loss to seek support.

Anyone with additional information about the incident is urged to contact the Kansas City Police Department’s Traffic Investigation Unit. Authorities also encourage anyone who may have seen Mario on the highway before the crash or who has relevant surveillance footage to come forward.

As Kansas City mourns the loss of a young life full of promise, officials reaffirm their commitment to protecting the city’s most vulnerable residents and ensuring that tragedies like this become less frequent.

Please note: The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available. In the meantime, all media are asked to respect the privacy of Mario’s family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time.