Derrick Thomas, 33, was critically injured in a multi-roll crash on Interstate 435 in Kansas City, Missouri, during a snowstorm on January 23, 2000. Driving a Chevrolet Suburban with two friends en route to the airport, police reported he was speeding and weaving on icy roads before losing control; the vehicle went into the median and rolled over multiple times. Thomas and one passenger, Michael Tellis, 49, were not wearing seat belts and were ejected. Tellis died at the scene; the third occupant, belted, suffered only minor injuries.

Thomas survived the crash but sustained a broken neck and spine and was initially paralyzed from the chest down. He was later transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami for specialized spinal care. On the morning of February 8, 2000, while being moved to a wheelchair for therapy he told his mother he felt unwell, then suffered cardiorespiratory arrest. He could not be revived; the cause of death was recorded as a massive pulmonary embolism that traveled from his legs to his lungs.

If anyone knew Derrick or his companions, or has information about the crash, please share what is known.