2 people die in crash on Interstate 35 near Gardner

GARDNER, Kan. - Two people died early Tuesday in a rollover accident on Interstate 35 near Gardner.

The victims have been identified as 32-year-old Jason Mees of Hiawatha, Kan., and 32-year-old Jennifer Curbow of Edgerton, Kan.

The wreck happened around 1:45 a.m. in the southbound lanes of Interstate 35 at Moonlight Road near Gardner.

Southbound traffic was blocked for several hours as investigators worked to clear the scene, but lanes were reopened by a little after 6 a.m.

A spokesperson for the Johnson County Sheriff's Department said both victims were ejected when the car went off the road for an unknown reason and rolled at least one time.

A van traveling behind clipped the car. Investigators initially reported a semi-truck was involved in the wreck, but in a live interview on NBC Action News Today, Johnson County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Rick Howell said they have learned the semi was not involved.

No injuries were reported in the van.

Kansas State Highway Patrol troopers said neither of the victims was wearing a seatbelt.

The cause of the accident remained under investigation.

Curbow leaves behind her husband of 14 years, three sons, two step-daughters, her parents, a younger brother, two grandmothers and a nephew.

The family has set up a fund to help pay for her funeral. Donations are being accepted at any Community America location under the Jennifer Curbow (Leach) Memorial Fund.