Manhattan HS Football Player, Salman Shinwari, 17, Dies In Car Accident, Leaving His Parents Matiullah And Zainab Heartbroken

We extend our thoughts and prayers to his parents, siblings, friends, teammates, teachers, and the entire Manhattan and Afghan communities.

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On May 7, Salman Shinwari from Manhattan, Kansas, was in a serious car accident on US Highway 77 near Junction City.

Because of heavy rain, his car lost control and crossed into oncoming traffic, crashing head-on into another vehicle.

Salman was badly hurt and rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.

Sadly, Salman passed away on May 21, 2025, at the age of 17, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was a sophomore at Manhattan High School in Kansas, a student of the Class of 2027.

Standing 5’8″ and weighing 180 pounds, he played as a linebacker (#44) on the varsity football team.

Family And Friends Mourn The Loss Of Salman Shinwari

Salman was initially from Kunar Province, Afghanistan, and moved to the United States with his family in 2017. In 2023, he proudly became a U.S. citizen.

He is survived by his parents, Matiullah and Zainab, his sisters Fawzia and Amina, and his brothers Rehan, Zaid, and Hussam.

Many others in the Manhattan and Afghan communities are mourning his loss.

Salman Shinwari’s father shared a message on Facebook to inform friends, family, and the Afghan community of the heartbreaking news of his son’s passing.

We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return
It is with deep sadness that I inform all my dear friends, relatives and especially Afghan brothers that my son Salman Shinwari has passed away. Who was seriously injured in a traffic accident on May 7. Today, May 21st, give your soul to the Lord.
The funeral ceremony of the late,
Date: Tomorrow, Thursday, the 22nd of May 2025
بجو Time: 2pm
📍 Location: Grand Mosque ISGKC
E 99th St, Kansas City, MO 641348501

Matiullah Shinwari

The funeral ceremony occurred on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Grand Mosque ISGKC on E 99th Street in Kansas City, Missouri.

A memorial service is held at the Islamic Center of Manhattan, with burial to follow in Kansas City.

Kiki Kikiculo shared a heartfelt message, saying that Salman, one of their Afghan refugee students has sadly passed away.

He had been on the football team alongside her son for the past two years.

She described the accident as tragic and mentioned that her son is deeply affected by the loss.

Further, she asked for prayers for the student’s family, friends, and everyone grieving during this difficult time.

With a heavy heart, one of our Afgani refugee students has passed away. He was on the football team with my son the last two years. It’s a terrible accident. My son will not be taking this lightly. Please pray for their family and friends.

Kiki Kikiculo

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Salman Shinwari during this time.

Alisha Shrestha
Alisha Shrestha
Introducing Alisha Shrestha, a dynamic writer and content editor with a finger on the pulse of the sports industry. With her passion for style and culture, Alisha delivers compelling articles that inspire and inform readers, keeping them up-to-date with the latest trends and developments.

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