Russell father, son die in crash

(The following was written by David Elliott with KRSL.)

A Russell father and son died in a one-vehicle rollover crash Friday night last week in Russell County.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, at 8:29 p.m. on Friday, February 11, a 2014 Toyota 4-Runner driven by 40-year-old George C. Gier of Russell was southbound on 179th Street just north of the Russell/Barton County line about six miles west of US Highway 281.

The vehicle entered the west ditch, ramped a field entrance and became airborne from the field entrance. The vehicle rolled several times and came to a stop on its roof facing east.

Gier and his 10-year-old son, Cooper Gier, who was a passenger in the vehicle, were both pronounced dead and transported to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.

Neither were buckled up at the time of the crash according to the KHP.

Russell County USD 407 had counselors and support services at schools on Monday for students, staff and families.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 19. See obituaries on Page 5A of this week’s paper.