Four Fatalities Reported in Missouri Over Holiday Weekend

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri State Highway Patrol recorded four fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday counting period, which ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 27, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 1, 2024. During this time, troopers responded to 362 crashes, which resulted in 120 injuries and 106 arrests for driving while intoxicated.

Details of Fatal Crashes:
November 27: A 44-year-old man from Monett, MO, died in Barry County on MO 37 after his vehicle crossed the centerline and struck another car head-on. Neither driver was wearing a seat belt.

November 30:
A 75-year-old passenger from Winfield, MO, died in a Lincoln County crash on MO 79 when another vehicle crossed into the path of his car. He was wearing a seat belt.
A 47-year-old Columbia, MO, resident lost control of his car on I-70 in Boone County, struck a rock bluff, and was ejected. He was not wearing a seat belt.

December 1:

A 25-year-old from Mammoth Springs, AR, was partially ejected when the vehicle he was riding in overturned in Oregon County. He was also not wearing a seat belt.

Comparison to 2023:
Last year’s Thanksgiving holiday period saw nine fatalities and 483 injuries statewide in 1,342 crashes. Troopers arrested 103 drivers for DWI.

No Boating Incidents Reported:
The Patrol reported no boating crashes, fatalities, or drownings during the holiday period.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to emphasize the importance of seat belt usage and safe driving to reduce traffic fatalities.