By Crash News Writer 
Cherokee, KS (August 7, 2025) – A tragic collision occurred late Wednesday night in Cherokee County when a pickup truck and a semi-truck collided at the intersection of Southeast Old 96 Road and Southeast 118th Street, approximately 3.8 miles east of U.S. Highway 69. The crash took place at about 9:53 p.m. and involved a 2018 Toyota Tacoma and a 2020 Peterbilt 389.
News sources show that the Toyota, driven by 70-year-old Dale L. Fillenwarth of Carl Junction, Missouri, was traveling northbound on Southeast 118th Street when it collided with the eastbound Peterbilt operated by 38-year-old Matthew A. Mussati of Jay, Oklahoma. Fillenwarth suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mussati was not reported injured. Emergency personnel responded swiftly, and the roadway was closed for several hours during the investigation and cleanup.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information in this article is drawn from preliminary Kansas Highway Patrol reports and may be updated as the investigation progresses.
- Official confirmation of all investigative findings will be released by authorities in due course.
- Additional details, including possible contributing factors and any related citations, will be provided when available.
- For information on road closures or detours linked to this accident, consult local traffic monitoring services.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. All details reflect public reports at the time of publication and may change as more facts emerge. Those affected are encouraged to seek professional legal counsel if involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken based on this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.