The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports there were seven fatalities during the New Year’s holiday counting period.
Troopers investigated 229 traffic crashes, which included 77 injuries and five of the seven fatalities. The period was from 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 29, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and Sullivan Police Department each investigated one traffic crash fatality during the counting period. In addition, troopers made 129 arrests for driving while intoxicated and 49 drug arrests. There were no boating crashes or drownings. There was one fatality in Troop G, Willow Springs.
Three people died in traffic crashes on Saturday, Dec. 30:
• Gregory A. Reynolds, 73, of Clarkton, died when the vehicle he was driving began sliding, ran off the roadway and overturned. The crash occurred in Dunklin County on Highway 25 north of Clarkton. Dunklin County Coroner James Powell pronounced Reynolds dead at the scene of the crash. Reynolds was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
• Gary D. Greenwood, 19, of Mountain Grove, died when the he overcorrected, causing the vehicle he was driving to travel off the roadway and overturn. Greenwood was ejected from the vehicle. The crash occurred in Texas County on Highway AM east of Mountain Grove. Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater pronounced Greenwood dead. It is unknown whether or not Greenwood was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
• Phillip G. Hoenig, 49, of St. Charles, died when another vehicle ran a red light and struck Hoenig’s vehicle as he was turning left. The crash occurred in St. Louis at the intersection of Hall Street and Adelaide Avenue. Hoenig was transported to St. Louis University Hospital. Dr. Jennifer La’Plant pronounced Hoenig dead at the hospital. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the crash.
Two people died as a result of traffic crashes on Sunday, Dec. 31:
• Bonita D. Fuller, 67, of Jackson, died when the vehicle she was driving traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a utility pole and a ditch, went airborne, then struck a tree and a house. The crash occurred in Cape Girardeau County on U.S. 61 in Fruitland. Cape Girardeau County Deputy Coroner David Taylor pronounced Fuller dead at the scene. Fuller was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
• Cole Watson, 20, of Sullivan, died when the vehicle he was driving drove off the roadway. Watson was ejected from the vehicle. The crash occurred on Vine Street in Sullivan. Watson was pronounced dead at Missouri Baptist Hospital. Watson was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The Sullivan Police Department investigated the crash.
Two people died as a result of traffic crashes on New Year’s Day:
• Brandon M. Scott, 28, of Independence, died after the vehicle he was driving failed to stop at Highway A and Highway H in Turney in Clinton County. The vehicle then traveled off the edge of the intersection and struck a hedge post, coming to rest on its driver’s side. Clinton County Coroner Lee Hanks pronounced Scott dead at the scene. Scott was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Clinton County Sheriff’s Department and Lathrop Fire Department also responded.
• Gerald J. Beers, 79, of Festus, died when the vehicle he was driving failed to yield while attempting to cross northbound Highway 67. A northbound vehicle struck Beers’ vehicle which rotated counter-clockwise into the left lane and was struck by a second vehicle. The crash occurred in Jefferson County on Highway 67 at Montauk Drive. Dr. Evans at Mercy Hospital pronounced Beers dead at the hospital.
Beers was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.