TOPEKA, KS – A tragic accident unfolded Monday afternoon in the parking lot of the North Topeka Walmart at 2600 N.W. Rochester Road when a pickup truck struck and killed 70-year-old Alice J. Thomas, a longtime Topeka resident.
Thomas, described by family and friends as a kind-hearted woman who always put others first, was well-known in her neighborhood. She often shopped at this Walmart and was reportedly walking toward the store when the fatal accident occurred.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a horrifying sequence of events. One witness reported that the truck “swerved around another vehicle—looks like they were in a hurry.” Another described how the truck “drug the lady” for a short distance before coming to a stop.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene. Several bystanders expressed shock and frustration, noting that her body remained under the truck for a considerable amount of time before authorities removed it.
The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the Topeka Police Department. As of now, officials have not announced any charges or determined whether speed or other factors played a role in the incident.
Thomas’ family has requested privacy as they process their sudden and heartbreaking loss.
