A Houston couple was killed Wednesday, Aug. 15, in a two-vehicle crash that left three persons injured, including their young son, and reduced U.S. 63 to one lane.
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. Rain had fallen on the area.
Multiple agencies responded Wednesday afternoon to a two-vehicle crash involving five people near Cloverdale Road north of Cabool.
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 cradled by a passer-by 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. 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 the Cabool Fire Department and Houston Rural Fire Department, as well as MoDOT.
Services for Bryce Ash and Kalena M. Freitas are 6 -8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, at New Beginnings Baptist Church, Bucyrus. Another visitation is 6-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary-Crematory, Joplin.