NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115

Q09081
September 2, 2008
EMPHASIS: Six People Die In Traffic Crashes Over Labor Day Holiday

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports six fatalities during the 2008 Labor Day holiday. Last year, there were 14 fatalities. The 2008 counting period ran from 6 p.m., Friday, August 29, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, September 1, 2008. During this period, the Patrol investigated 257 traffic crashes, which included 128 injuries and four fatalities. Troopers made 161 arrests for driving while intoxicated in 2008, compared to 186 arrests last year. (Note: In 2007, troopers investigated 320 traffic crashes, which included 156 injuries and eight fatalities.)

Of the four fatalities troopers investigated, two occurred in the Troop B, Macon area; one occurred in Troop C, St. Louis area; and one occurred in the Troop F, Jefferson City, area. The Springfield Police Department investigated the remaining two fatalities.

Three fatalities occurred on Saturday, August 30, 2008. Michael C. Moore, 25, of Robertsville, MO, died when he lost control of the Yamaha four-wheeler he was driving. The vehicle overturned, ejecting Moore. Dr. Stanley Sakabu pronounced Moore dead at St. Johns Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur. The crash occurred in Franklin County on Bergman road .5 mile east of Finney Road.

David D. Durbin, 42, of Brighton, MO, and Christian D. Jones, 19, of Springfield, MO, died when the motorcycle they were riding struck a vehicle when it pulled into their path from a parking lot. Both were ejected from the motorcycle. Durbin and Jones were taken to St. Johns Hospital where they were pronounced dead. The driver of the other vehicle was uninjured. The crash occurred on Sunshine in Springfield, MO, in Greene County. The Springfield Police Department investigated the crash.

One fatality occurred on Sunday, August 31, 2008. Jason A. Wood, 39, of Versailles, MO, died when the vehicle in which he was a passenger ran off the roadway and struck a tree. It is unknown whether the driver of the vehicle was wearing a seat belt. Wood was not wearing a seat belt. Miller County Coroner Rick Callahan pronounced Wood dead at the scene of the crash. The crash occurred in Miller County on Greenridge Road west of MO Highway 87. The driver of the vehicle was not injured. The Miller County Sheriff’s Department and Eldon Police Department also responded to the scene.

Two fatalities occurred on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2008. Harold L. Fletcher Jr., 55, of New London, MO, and Colin H. Krigbaum, 17, of New London, MO, died when the vehicle Krigbaum was driving crossed the center line and struck Fletcher’s vehicle head on. A passenger in Fletcher’s vehicle sustained minor injuries. None of the persons involved in the crash were wearing a seat belt. The crash occurred in Ralls County on Missouri Route A, one miles west of New London. Ralls County Rural Fire and Rescue, Hannibal Fire and Rescue, Ralls County Ambulance, and Marion County Ambulance also responded to the scene.

Note: Totals may change due to late deaths.

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