Man at Fairmount Park dies of medical emergency

Piper Pinnetti, Reporter • April 18, 2024

Wichita Police Department vehicles near Fairmount Park on April 18, following the death of a man that morning.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with new information.

Wichita police are investigating the death of a 54-year-old man reported by an individual around 7 a.m. on Thursday near Wichita State. The death was previously thought to be due to a gunshot wound, but police say the death was due to a “medical emergency” instead. The incident happened near 15th and Vassar, situated at the corner of Fairmount Park.

Police cordoned off a significant portion of the park as the investigations continued.

In the past, the Wichita State Police Department has sent out Rave Alerts for emergencies near campus, like in November 2021 when there was police action near 21st Street and Stadium Drive. No Rave Alert was sent out on Thursday, despite Fairmount Park being part of the Shocker Neighborhood.

Both the Wichita Police Department and the WSU Police Department were unavailable for comment.

About the Contributors

Piper Pinnetti, Opinion Editor

Piper Pinnetti is the Opinion Editor for The Sunflower. This is her fourth year on staff, and she has previously designed content for social media. Pinnetti is a senior pursuing a career in journalism. When not in the newsroom, she is making a grilled cheese. Pinnetti uses she/they pronouns.

Mia Hennen, Managing Editor

Mia Hennen is the managing editor for The Sunflower. Most recently, Hennen served as editor-in-chief for the 2023-2024 year. A senior English major, Hennen will graduate in May 2025 and hopes to pursue a career in journalism.