UPDATE, 2:28 p.m. | KCMO police are investigating the fatal accident as a hit-and-run crash.
While there is no suspect information at this time, police have informed the public the vehicle will have heavy front-end damage.
This incident marks the 61st traffic fatality of the year. At this time last year, there had been 49 fatalities.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.
UPDATE, 10:45 a.m. | Police say a man approximately in his mid-50s was struck and killed by a vehicle in the middle lane of Interstate 435 more than three hours ago, apparently when it was still dark outside.
The impact sent the man, identified as David Barton, 55, into the left grassy median. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police report the vehicle that struck the man fled the scene.
I-435 southbound was re-opened about 10:45 a.m., but the northbound lanes remained closed while police gathered evidence.
There is no suspect vehicle description available at this time.
EARLIER | Police have shut down northbound Interstate 435 and 87th Street and southbound I-435 and Gregory Boulevard. Motorists should avoid the area.
A body was discovered in the median of I-435 northbound just south of Gregory.
The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department says shortly before 9 a.m. Sunday, a motorist reported seeing a body in the median.
One person has been confirmed deceased.
The KCPD Accident Investigation Unit is en route to determine what may have happened.
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