Missouri Man Dies in Go-Kart Crash at Lake Afton Park

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. — The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal go-kart racing crash that occurred Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Lake Afton Park.

At about 3:06 p.m., deputies responded to the southwest area of Lake Afton Park after receiving a report of a go-kart crash during an organized race.

Sedgwick County EMS personnel and Sedgwick County Fire District 1 crews provided life-saving measures at the scene. Despite their efforts, Troy Allen Ernst, 49, of Osage Beach, Missouri, died at the scene.

Preliminary information indicates Ernst attempted a sharp turn during the race, lost control of the go-kart, became airborne and crashed into the Lake Afton dam area.

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