Two Reno County residents riding a motorcycle have died from injuries after being clipped by a detached trailer Saturday morning in Great Bend, according to the Great Bend police.

The Reno County sheriff's department identified the victims as Reno County Deputy Shawn Schellenger and his wife Danielle, who both died from injuries sustained in the accident. The Reno County sheriff reports that Shawn Schellenger was about to celebrate his one-year anniversary with the department after moving from a job at the Butler County Jail in El Dorado.

The couple were parents to two children, Dominque, 7, and Warren, 5, and both served their country in Iraq, according to a family member. Shawn Schellenger served 18 months for the U.S. Army in Iraq and Kuwait, according to Reno County Sheriff Randy Henderson.

A statement from the Great Bend Police Dapartment indicated additional information about the accident would be announced Monday.

Great Bend Police Sgt. Jason Settle reports the Schellengers were transported by helicopter to Wichita for medical treatment after the 11:40 a.m. accident in the 5600 block of 10th St. in Great Bend.
Settle reports a pickup truck operated by William Howard Baker of Great Bend was traveling eastbound pulling a trailer when the trailer carrying a lawn moer detached, crossing the center line into oncoming westbound traffic.

Settle reports the trailer struck a motorcycle ridden by two occupants who were wearing helmets. Jeff Schellenger, Shawn's father, was traveling next to the two parties and laid down his motorbike to miss the accident’s debris. Jeff Schellenger was treated and released for his injuries.
No arrests were made. But the investigation is still open and the driver of the pickup truck could face charges at a later date. Kansas Highway patrolmen, Barton County sheriff’s deputies and personnel from the Great Bend street department assisted with the accident.