Tragic Accident Claims Life of Concordia University Athlete

Matthew Wing, a 22-year-old junior track and field athlete at Concordia University, tragically passed away Friday night following a car accident on Interstate 49 in Harrisonville, Missouri.

According to an accident report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Wing was driving a Toyota Prius northbound with three fellow passengers when a Ford Explorer traveling in the opposing direction crossed over and struck their vehicle.

The Prius subsequently caught fire, while the Ford came to a halt in the median.

Three students from Concordia who were in Wing’s car sustained injuries in the crash. These individuals are also reported to be athletes on the Bulldogs’ track and field team, as noted by Cologne News Agency.

The driver of the Ford Explorer, a 30-year-old man from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, has not yet been named but was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Concordia University Athletics acknowledged Wing’s passing through a social media post, expressing their condolences: “Concordia University of Nebraska Athletics mourns the passing of Matthew Wing and sends our deepest condolences to his wife and family. We pray that his loved ones, friends, classmates, and teammates find comfort in God’s love and healing grace.”

Wing, originally from Sweet Springs, Missouri, had recently lost his wife, Brye Walley. They met during a church trip to Kansas City in 2018 and married on May 24, 2025, just a short time ago.

He is survived by his parents, a sister, a brother, and extended family, as well as his academic pursuit in secondary education.