James M. Nelson, 40, of Barnhart died following a crash this morning, Sept. 6, involving a tractor-trailer on Hwy. 67 at I-55 in Festus, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported.
At 1:45 a.m., Nelson was driving a northbound 2006 Chrysler Crossfire when he crossed into another lane and struck the left side of a northbound 2024 Freightliner Cascadia driven by Michael L. Russel Jr., 56, of Arnold, then struck a concrete barrier, the report said.
Nelson and a passenger, Michael W. Coleman, 40, of De Soto, who was moderately injured, were taken by Joachim-Plattin Ambulance to Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City, the report said.
According to the report, Nelson was pronounced dead at 3:34 a.m. by hospital personnel.
Coleman was treated and released, a hospital spokesman said.
Nelson and Coleman were not wearing seat belts and Russel was, the Chrysler was totaled, and the Freightliner had minor damage, the report said.