Dark Day

First responders in Willow Springs were busy with three tragic motor vehicle accidents in the Willow Springs area on Tuesday, January 18. 

The first crash resulted in a fatality. Marilyn McReynolds, 72, was struck by an eastbound Chevrolet 2500 while walking near her home on State Route 76 at approximately 11:35 a.m. First responders requested an air rescue by 11:39 a.m., but the efforts to save her were ultimately unsuccessful.

McReynolds was pronounced deceased at 12:08 p.m. by Dr. Curtis Horstman of Ozarks Healthcare. 

Christina Maki, 51, of Willow Springs, was the driver of the truck. She was not injured in the crash. No criminal charges were filed against Maki last week. Her vehicle sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by the owner. 

At approximately 2:00 p.m. the same afternoon, a reporting party called law enforcement regarding a northbound erratic driver on US Highway 63 half a mile south of Willow Springs. The driver, George Miller, 88, of Springfield, ran off the road before law enforcement arrived on the scene. 

His Buick Envision overturned and came to rest in a drainage ditch beside the highway. Miller was taken from the scene by Air Evac for treatment of his serious injuries. He was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. 

There were no other injuries or property damage in the second crash. 

By 6:09 p.m. first responders were out again for a crash on Highway Z one mile south of State Route 76. Kenny Lowe, 37, of Willow Springs, overcorrected while driving southbound, rolling his His Ford Explorer. 

Lowe experienced moderate injuries in the crash and was cited by Missouri State Highway Patrol for driving while intoxicated, no seatbelt, and careless and imprudent driving. He was transported to the hospital from the scene. 

There were no other vehicles involved.