In the quiet, pre-dawn hours of August 8, 2025, a devastating tragedy unfolded on Kansas Highway 140 near South Reese Road in Saline County, Kansas, forever altering the lives of those who knew and loved Deanna Sommerfeld. Known affectionately to her family and friends as “June,” the 55-year-old Brookville resident was killed in a horrific head-on collision that also left her husband, Mark Sommerfeld, seriously injured. The accident, marked by its sudden brutality, has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, leaving behind a legacy of love, loss, and unanswered questions.
The crash occurred shortly after 5:30 a.m. on that fateful Friday morning, as Deanna and Mark, 61, were traveling east in their Chevrolet truck along K-140. Authorities report that a westbound Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by 32-year-old Kayla Errebo of Lorraine, Kansas, veered across the center line, colliding head-on with the Sommerfelds’ vehicle. The impact was catastrophic. Deanna, a beacon of warmth and kindness, was pronounced dead at the scene, her life extinguished in an instant. Mark, her beloved husband, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was rushed to Salina Regional Health Center, where he continues his painful recovery. Errebo, who suffered only minor injuries, fled the scene but was later apprehended by authorities at an address in Ellsworth around 8:26 a.m.
The Saline County Sheriff’s Office has revealed chilling details about the circumstances surrounding the crash. Errebo, who now faces a litany of charges including second-degree murder, aggravated battery, reckless driving, failure to report an accident, operating a vehicle without a required ignition interlock device, and improper driving on a laned road, was allegedly driving under the influence at the time of the collision. Court records paint a troubling picture of Errebo’s history, with two prior DUI arrests in 2024—one involving a crash into a tree—and a probation agreement that mandated she abstain from alcohol, avoid bars, and use an ignition interlock device to ensure her vehicle could only be operated if her breath was alcohol-free. Authorities allege she violated all these conditions, having confessed to consuming alcohol at a bar the previous night. Errebo, who remains in Saline County Jail on a $1 million bond, faces up to 41 years in prison if convicted of second-degree murder. Her next court appearance is scheduled for August 22.
Deanna Sommerfeld’s life was one defined by love, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to those around her. A devoted wife to Mark and a nurturing mother to their two sons, David and Quinton, Deanna was the heart of her family. Friends described her to local media as a woman who radiated kindness, always ready with a smile or a helping hand. “She was the kind of person who made everyone feel seen and valued,” one friend shared with Wichita’s CBS affiliate KWCH. “Her love for her family was evident in everything she did.” Deanna’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her home, touching the lives of neighbors and community members who now grapple with the void left by her absence.
The tragedy has galvanized the Brookville community, where grief and support have intertwined in the wake of Deanna’s passing. A GoFundMe page established in her memory highlights the depth of her impact, noting her as a cherished friend whose compassion knew no bounds. “Never get behind the wheel while you’re drinking,” one of Deanna’s friends urged in an emotional interview, a plea underscored by the devastating consequences of Errebo’s alleged actions. The community has rallied around the Sommerfeld family, offering prayers, meals, and heartfelt condolences to support Mark’s recovery and to honor Deanna’s memory. Neighbors and loved ones are finding solace in shared stories of her warmth, her laughter, and her remarkable ability to uplift those around her.
As the investigation continues, K-140, closed for several hours following the crash, has reopened, but the scars of that morning linger. Funeral and memorial service arrangements for Deanna are still being finalized, with details to be shared as her family navigates this unimaginable loss. In the meantime, those who knew her are encouraged to honor her legacy through acts of kindness, love, and compassion—values that Deanna embodied every day of her life.
The Sommerfeld family’s journey through grief is just beginning, but Deanna’s light continues to shine in the hearts of those she touched. Her memory serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of a single, selfless soul. As the community mourns, they hold fast to the hope that justice will be served and that Deanna’s legacy of love will endure, a guiding star for all who knew her.