Abby Hoover
Managing Editor

On Friday, March 3, Hope Faith Homeless Assistance Campus celebrated the life of Jesse Eckes whose life was tragically cut short when he was killed in a crash near Truman Road and Benton Boulevard on February 15.

Eckes, a pedestrian, died when he was struck by a police car that was pushed into him by a speeding vehicle. The officer and his K9 partner also died.

A client of Hope Faith, Eckes had been housed for two months and was enthusiastic about his second chance. Staff who had worked with him remember his generous spirit and his passion for helping others rise out of homelessness.

Eckes’ family attended via Zoom from out of state, but he found a family and a community at Hope Faith. Just as they did for Officer James Muhlbauer, Newcomer’s White Chapel Funeral Home & White Chapel Cemetery provided services for Eckes. Executive Director Doug Langner thanked those who work with unhoused Kansas Citians, local officials, neighbors and supporters for joining Hope Faith to celebrate Eckes’ life.

“Your outpouring of support has been very gracious to us,” Langner said. “This is a blow to our community.”