The family of a college student who tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run incident is pursuing legal action against the delivery service DoorDash.
Jordan and Anna McGrain have filed a lawsuit on February 4 in Douglas County, Kansas. They are holding DoorDash and driver William Klingler, 37, accountable for the accident that claimed the life of their daughter, Elsa McGrain, on November 6, 2025.
Elsa, a 20-year-old pre-med student from the University of Kansas, was jogging in Lawrence when she was struck by Klingler. Prosecutors assert that Klingler was driving with a suspended license and fled the scene after the collision.
The lawsuit contends that Klingler was an “unvetted, unauthorized DoorDash driver who was unfit to operate a commercial delivery vehicle.” It accuses DoorDash of neglecting to hire “fit and competent” drivers and claims the company maintained a flawed system that allowed them to employ drivers who were either unverified or known to be unsuitable for delivery work.
Court documents revealed by Oxygen highlight Klingler’s history of offenses, including driving under the influence and drug possession.
In response, DoorDash denies that Klingler was ever authorized to work for the company.
“This is a devastating loss, and our hearts are with those impacted,” a DoorDash spokesperson tells Oxygen in a statement. “We strongly deny any claim that DoorDash failed to properly vet the individual involved as he was never granted access to the DoorDash platform. We intend to address these claims through the legal process.”
Elsa’s body was discovered by police in the early morning hours of Nov. 7, on the side of the road. She died from multiple blunt force trauma, according to a Douglas County affidavit reviewed by Oxygen that cites a preliminary autopsy report.
On Nov. 9, William was taken into custody with an outstanding warrant. Police later found fibers that were “consistent with the color of the green shirt” that Elsa wore, around the passenger side headlight of his car.
He is charged as follows, according to documents sent to Oxygen by the Douglas County Court Clerk: Leaving the scene of a fatality accident, Circumvention of ignition interlock device, Driving while suspended; second or subsequent offense, No proof of motor vehicle liability insurance coverage.
It is unclear William has entered a plea to the four charges. He will next appear in court on Feb. 17 for a status conference.
Attorneys for the McGrain family and William did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Oxygen.
