Kansas City man killed in off-roading crash was father of 2, anesthesiologist assistant

A Kansas City man killed in an off-roading crash over the weekend was a husband, father of two, and worked in the medical field, loved ones said.

Caleb Hopkins, 40, was killed Saturday when the Jeep he was driving rolled on its side in Bourbon County, Kansas, pinning him beneath it, authorities said.

“Caleb was a loving husband and father, friend to so many, and an all-around great guy. He leaves behind his wife, Erin, and two children, Madeline and Micah,” according to a GoFundMe created Monday.

The online fundraiser was started by one of Hopkins’ colleagues, Jamie Nafzinger. Hopkins was a certified anesthesiologist assistant.

“His knowledge and skill as a provider were unmatched. Outside of work, Caleb loved to be hands-on with new hobbies regularly,” Nafzinger wrote. “You could often find him brewing beer, smoking meats, or boating on the lake with his family.”

On Saturday, Hopkins took a drive with two kids in a Jeep Wrangler at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, a designated off-roading area in Bourbon County, Kansas, about 100 miles south of Kansas City. Two boys, ages 9 and 12, were with him, according to Kansas Highway Patrol.

At about 1:25 p.m., as Hopkins was driving down one of the “drop offs,” near 130th Street, the Jeep tipped, pinning Hopkins beneath the driver’s side of the vehicle, according to a crash report from highway patrol.

Neither of the boys were physically injured in the crash, according to the report. All three passengers were wearing seat belts at the time, authorities said.

“It is with deep sadness and very heavy hearts that we inform you of a tragic accident at KRocks yesterday where we lost a friend in an off-roading accident,” the off-roading venue posted on Facebook Sunday. “We ask that each of you keep Caleb Hopkins wife, children, family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

The GoFundMe money will go toward funeral expenses and to Hopkins’ widow, Erin Hopkins. As of Tuesday morning, the campaign had raised nearly $18,000.