In the heart of southeast Wichita, a vibrant community was shattered by a devastating hit-and-run crash on the evening of August 13, 2025, that stole the life of 14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa, a young man described by those who knew him as kind-hearted, full of promise, and loved by many. The Wichita Police Department (WPD) is now in a relentless pursuit of 19-year-old Gauge Brasher, the driver allegedly responsible for this tragedy, who fled from a hospital after the incident, leaving a grieving family and a shaken community in his wake.
The tragedy unfolded around 6:30 p.m. near the bustling intersection of Harry Street and Rock Road, a familiar corner in Wichita’s southeast side. According to authorities, Brasher was behind the wheel of a BMW, tearing through the streets at an alarming speed. In a catastrophic moment, the vehicle crashed into a power pole and a utility box, which then struck young Jackson Nzabonimpa, who was in the vicinity. The impact was merciless, and despite the efforts of first responders, Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene, his bright future extinguished in an instant.
Jackson’s death has left an indelible mark on southeast Wichita. Friends and neighbors remember him as a beacon of kindness, a teenager whose smile could light up a room and whose potential seemed boundless. “He was the kind of kid who made everyone feel seen,” a neighbor shared, her voice trembling with emotion. “This loss—it’s unimaginable for his family, for all of us.” Local schools have opened their doors to provide counseling, and community leaders have rallied to offer support, but the pain of Jackson’s absence lingers like a heavy fog over the neighborhood.
The Wichita Police Department’s investigation paints a grim picture of the events leading to the crash. Authorities believe Brasher’s reckless speed was a primary factor, transforming his vehicle into what Chief Joe Sullivan called “a weapon.” Adding to the tragedy, police suspect Brasher was under the influence at the time of the crash, a detail that deepens the community’s outrage. “This was not an accident,” Chief Sullivan declared in a powerful statement. “It was a series of reckless choices. We will pursue full accountability for the death of this young man and the danger brought to our community.”
Brasher, who sustained injuries in the crash, was initially taken to a local hospital for treatment. But in a move that has stunned investigators, he slipped away from the facility without notifying law enforcement, vanishing into the night and evading accountability. A 24-year-old passenger in Brasher’s vehicle was detained at the scene but later released without charges, leaving Brasher as the primary focus of the WPD’s manhunt.
The police have not disclosed specific details about the BMW involved, but evidence collected at the crash site firmly ties Brasher to the incident. Now, authorities are casting a wide net, urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to his capture. “We need the community’s help,” a WPD spokesperson pleaded. “If you know where Gauge Brasher is, call 911 immediately. If you saw something that night, even the smallest detail, reach out to our Accident Follow-up Unit or Crime Stoppers. Justice for Jackson depends on it.”
The community’s grief is matched only by its resolve. Vigils have sprung up near the crash site, where candles flicker alongside flowers and handwritten notes honoring Jackson’s memory. “We’re not just mourning; we’re standing together to demand justice,” said a local pastor who has been comforting Jackson’s family. “This family is experiencing unimaginable grief, and we need to make sure the person responsible is held accountable.”
As the investigation presses forward, the WPD’s Accident Follow-up Unit, based at the Central Bureau on Riverview Street, is working tirelessly to piece together the events of that fateful evening. Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming once Brasher is apprehended, with the potential for felony hit-and-run, vehicular homicide, or DUI-related offenses looming large.
For now, Wichita waits, its heart heavy with sorrow and its spirit unbroken. The memory of Jackson Nzabonimpa—a teenager whose life was cut tragically short—fuels a collective call for justice. The Wichita Police Department has provided multiple ways for the public to assist: call 911 for immediate tips, contact the WPD directly at 316-268-4111, or submit anonymous information through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 or online. As the search for Gauge Brasher intensifies, the community holds fast to hope that accountability will bring some measure of peace to a family and a city forever changed by loss.
