NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Capt. Christian T. Ricks

Q7051 (573) 526-6115



July 5, 2005

EMPHASIS: Five Deaths During July Fourth Weekend



Five people died in traffic crashes during the 2005 July Fourth holiday counting period. The counting period began at 6 p.m., Friday, July 1, and ended at 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 4, 2005. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 195 injuries in 320 traffic crashes, and made 166 driving while intoxicated arrests. Last year, 15 people died during the counting period.



Of the 5 fatalities, one fatality was investigated by Troop A, Lee’s Summit; two fatalities were investigated by both Troop C, St. Louis; and Troop F, Jefferson City.



One fatality occurred on July 1, 2005. Robert D. Newsom, 42, of Wright City, MO, died when the vehicle in which he was a passenger ran off the right side of the road and overturned several times. Both Newsom and the driver were ejected; neither were wearing seat belts. The crash occurred in Audrain County on Route K east of County Road 642. The driver of the vehicle sustained serious injuries. Audrain County Coroner Pat Farnen pronounced Newsom dead at the scene.



Three fatalities occurred on July 3, 2005. Rodney B. Hollingsworth, 23, of Park Hills, MO, died when the vehicle he was driving failed to negotiate a curve. His vehicle traveled off the roadway and overturned several times. Hollingsworth was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The crash occurred in Washington County on Northbound Highway O at Parkwood Drive. Assistant Coroner Steve Hatfield pronounced Hollingsworth dead at the scene.



Adria J. Giorza, 17, of Wellington, MO, died when the ATV she was driving failed to negotiate a curve. The ATV overturned, ejecting both Giorza and a passenger. The crash occurred in Lafayette County on Ellen Street at Missouri Highway 224. The passenger sustained moderate injuries. The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department assisted at the scene.



Laura V. McNearney, 45, of Kansas City, MO, died when the vehicle she was driving exited the roadway and struck a tree. McNearney was not wearing a seat belt. The crash occurred in Camden County on Route J south of Missouri Highway 7. Dr. Jungles pronounced McNearney dead at the scene.



Willie T. Jackson, 22, of Ferguson, MO, died when he lost control of the vehicle he was driving. The vehicle exited the right side of the road and overturned. Jackson was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected. The crash occurred in St. Charles County on eastbound Interstate 70 west of Route K. At the time of the crash, Jackson’s vehicle was traveling above the posted speed limit. Medical Coroner Investigator Julie Howe responded to the scene.