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
Q11262012-1 (573) 526-6115

November 26, 2012
Emphasis: One Fatality Over 2012 Thanksgiving Holiday

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports one person died during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday counting period--from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 21, 2012, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 25, 2012. Troopers investigated 350 traffic crashes, which included 140 injuries. In addition, troopers arrested 140 people for driving while intoxicated. The Highway Patrol investigated the fatal traffic crash. [During the 2011 Thanksgiving holiday, troopers investigated 365 traffic crashes, which included 125 injuries. Statewide, there were four fatalities over the 2011 Thanksgiving weekend. Troopers arrested 126 people for driving while intoxicated in 2011.]

The fatal traffic crash occurred on Wednesday, November 21, 2012, in the Troop D, Springfield area. Austin C. Turner, 19, of Golden, MO, died when the vehicle he was driving ran off the left side of the roadway, struck a tree, and burned. Turner was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. A passenger in Turner's vehicle sustained minor injuries; he was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The crash occurred in Barry County on Route J west of Golden, MO. Barry County Assistant Coroner Charles McManus pronounced Turner dead at the scene.

There were no boating incidents reported during the 2012 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.

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 is sent out.

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