17 Years Old Identified As Victim Of Deadly Highway 61 Fatal Crash

According to a trooper from the Missouri Highway Patrol, a head-on collision occurred on Highway 61 late Tuesday night, resulting in one fatality and another individual being airlifted to University Hospital in Columbia.

According to troopers, the incident occurred at approximately 11:35 p.m. about five miles north of Palmyra, Missouri. Lori Cumpston, aged 51 and hailing from Fayetteville, Arkansas, was reported to have passed away at the location of the incident.

According to reports, a 17-year-old from Palmyra, who has not been identified, was airlifted to University Hospital with serious injuries. According to troopers, it is currently unclear whether either individual was wearing safety devices.

According to Palmyra’s Fire Chief Gary Crane, they responded to a call at approximately 11:38 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered a vehicle fully engulfed in flames with a deceased individual inside.

According to Crane, the situation was such that the big truck was obstructing the way and they had to take a detour by moving into the northbound lane. They then proceeded to stop all the traffic and had to take the wrong way down the highway to reach the vehicle and extinguish the fire.

According to MSHP troopers, the crash is currently being investigated.

According to Trooper James Johnson, the reason behind the person driving the wrong way is currently unknown. However, he mentioned that incidents of wrong-way driving are common during nighttime, possibly due to drivers not being able to see other lanes while turning.