MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102
NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
Q-122712
December 27, 2012
EMPHASIS: Patrol Reports Two Traffic Fatalities Over Christmas Holiday

**REVISED See description of Acheson fatality. REVISED**

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports two people died during the Christmas holiday counting period--from 6 p.m., Friday, December 21, to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, December 25, 2012.
The Patrol investigated 239 traffic crashes, which included two fatalities and 91 injuries. Troopers arrested 130 people over the Christmas holiday weekend for driving while intoxicated.

During last year's counting period five people died in traffic crashes. The Patrol investigated 213 traffic crashes, with 67 injuries. Troopers arrested 56 people over the 2011 Christmas holiday weekend for driving while intoxicated.

Troopers investigated both fatalities, which occurred in the Troop D, Springfield area.

One fatality occurred on December 22, 2012. Brandy M. Acheson, 38, of Sarcoxie, MO, died when an oncoming vehicle crossed the center of the roadway and struck the vehicle she was driving head-on. Lawrence County Coroner Scott Lakin pronounced Acheson dead at the scene; Acheson was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The crash occurred in Lawrence County on Missouri Highway 39 south of Mt. Vernon, MO. The driver of the other vehicle sustained serious injuries in the crash; he was wearing a seat belt.

One fatality occurred on December 23, 2012. William D. Pope, 36, of Springfield, MO, died when the vehicle he was driving traveled off the north side of the roadway, struck a fence and a tree, then came to rest. Medical Examiner David Brown pronounced Pope dead at the scene. Pope was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The crash occurred in Greene County on Farm Road 106 north of Springfield.

Note: The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, or if other departments report fatal traffic crashes after this news release was sent out.
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