A 24-year-old Norwegian man attempting to rollerblade from New York to Los Angeles has died after being struck by a vehicle in Kansas, bringing his cross-country journey to a tragic end.
The Independent, citing Wichita Eagle, reported that Joachim Lanham was skating along East Country Club Road in Salina on September 5 when he was struck by a car travelling in the same direction, according to the Saline County Sheriff’s Office.
Lanham, who was on the 22nd day of his journey, suffered severe injuries in the crash. An off-duty paramedic found him by the roadside before he was taken to Salina Regional Health Center and later transferred to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, where he was admitted to intensive care.
He remained in a medically induced coma for six days before dying from his injuries on September 11. His family said his brother Michael stayed beside him and held his hand throughout his final days.
Authorities said the 82-year-old driver turned around after the collision but did not see Lanham before leaving the area. She later noticed damage to her vehicle after returning home and went back to the scene, where police and emergency responders had arrived.
Lieutenant Scott Trembley said the woman told investigators that she knew she had struck something but was unsure what it was. The Saline County Attorney’s Office will determine whether charges should be filed over the crash.
About 40 minutes before the incident, Lanham had spoken with his parents by phone about his journey and his passion for long-distance rollerblading. His family later said his adventures meant a great deal to him.
