A Houston couple was killed last Wednesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash that injured three persons, including their young son.
Cpl. Travis Brown of the state patrol said a southbound 2010 Dodge Avenger driven by Bryce C. Ash, 24, skidded across pavement and struck a northbound 2017 Ford Flex operated by Marlyn A. Smith, 73, of Eunice.
Heavy rain had fallen in the area.
A passenger in the Ash vehicle, Kalena M. Freitas, 23, was pronounced dead at the scene by County Coroner Marie Lasater.
Ash was declared dead a short time later at Texas County Memorial Hospital.
Their son, Brylon M. Ash, 3, had minor injuries and was comforted by a passerby until emergency personnel arrived on the scene about six miles north of Cabool near Cloverdale Road.
Smith, who had serious injuries, was transported to Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston. Her husband, Charles F. Smith, 78, had moderate injuries and went to the county hospital. Both were later transferred to Springfield. Everyone was wearing a seat belt, and the child was in a car seat.
Authorities tried to deploy medical helicopters to the scene, but weather conditions prevented them from flying.
The 12:43 p.m. accident sent five other troopers to the scene, as well as personnel from the Cabool Fire Department, Houston Rural Fire Department and MoDOT.
Services for Bryce Ash and Kalena M. Freitas were Tuesday, Aug. 21, at New Beginnings Baptist Church in Bucyrus. Another visitation is set for 6-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary-Crematory in Joplin.