FORT RILEY, Kan. – The commander of the 1st Infantry Division released the following statement today regarding the deaths of two Manhattan residents.

“I was extremely saddened to learn of the death of Ronald and Marlene Montgomery,” said Maj. Gen. Wayne W. Grigsby, commanding general of the 1st
Infantry Division and senior commander of Fort Riley, Kansas. “My deepest
sympathies, and those of the 1st Inf. Div., are with their family and loved
ones during this trying time. We will offer our full cooperation to relevant
law enforcement agencies as they conduct their investigation.”

On April 7, the couple was traveling eastbound on I-70 in the vicinity of
exit 303 when their vehicle was struck by another vehicle driven by a Fort
Riley Soldier.

The Soldier, Sgt. Kevin Runions, was treated and released from Irwin Army
Community Hospital. He is assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th field Artillery
Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., and serves as a
healthcare specialist.

The accident remains under investigation.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol accident report, Robert Montgomery, 81, and Marlene Montgomery, 78, were fatality victims stemming from the accident on April 7 at I-70 exit 303. Their vehicle was exiting the interstate and had right of way when another vehicle driven by Runions ran the stop sign at K-18, hitting the Montgomery’s vehicle. After the accident Robert and Marlene Montgomery were transported to Via Christi Hospital.