‘Beloved’ College Student, 20, Killed in Hit and Run While Jogging: ‘She Was the Kind of Person Everyone Wanted to Be’ By Toria Sheffield

A University of Kansas student was killed in a hit and run while jogging, and police are now asking the public for help in finding the driver.

Twenty-year-old Elsa McGrain of Omaha, Neb., was jogging in Lawrence, Kan., at around 6 p.m. local time on Thursday, Nov. 6, when the incident occurred, per a Nov. 8 media release from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). 

In a previous release, authorities stated that a passerby notified police dispatch about “a person near the road” at 3:35 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, and that deputies determined the person — who was later identified as McGrain — had died.

The DCSO released a photo of a white pickup truck that they believe could be a “vehicle of interest” in the case, and has asked anyone who may have information about the vehicle to contact their office.

Police have also asked anyone who might have been in the area “on E 1500 Road between 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.” on Nov. 6 to call DCSO Detective Lance Flachsbarth at 785-393-5845 or Douglas County Crime Stoppers at 785-843-TIPS (8477) and leave their contact information.

McGrain was studying pre-medicine and was set to graduate in 2026, per the DCSO. 

“Our hearts go out to Elsa’s family and friends in this incredibly tragic situation,” they added in their Nov. 8 statement. 

PEOPLE reached out to the DCSO for comment on Sunday, Nov. 9, but did not receive an immediate response.

McGrain was a member of the Chi Omega sorority, and her sorority sisters shared a tribute to her on Instagram on Nov. 8.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved sister, Elsa McGrain,” they wrote.

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“Elsa was the kind of person everyone wanted to be: genuine, kind and full of light. She noticed the quiet one in the room, checked in on you whether things were good or bad, and was the loyal friend we all strive to be. She had a gift for making everyone around her feel valued and loved,” they continued.

The sisters added, “Our hearts go out to Elsa’s friends, family and all those who were touched by her light. Her faith, kindness and sisterhood will forever remain in our hearts.”