Driver in critical condition following wrong-way crash

A Lees Summit man is in critical condition following a wrong-way crash on Highway 63 Wednesday night.

Police say the crash happened around 11:30 p.m. near the Discovery Parkway exit, just south of Columbia.

Investigators say Gregory Phipps, 20, was driving the wrong way on Highway 63 when he lost control of the car and hit a sign, causing his car to flip several times.

Prior to the crash, officers were already looking for Phipps’ car after another driver called police to report a driver traveling south in the northbound lanes.

Phipps was taken to University Hospital with life-threatening injuries. As of Thursday morning, he was in critical condition.

Authorities believe alcohol and high speeds caused the crash, but the investigation is ongoing.