Springfield, MO (June 3, 2026) – A female driver lost her life on Tuesday afternoon, June 2, after being struck by another vehicle on the westbound James River Freeway between Campbell Avenue and Kansas Expressway in Springfield.
Police said the crash happened around 1:23 p.m. when the woman’s vehicle initially struck the median and came to a stop in the inside lane. Investigators reported that she then exited her vehicle and was struck by another passing vehicle.
Emergency units responded to the scene, but the driver was pronounced dead there. She was later identified as Leah Hyde, 24, of Willard. No other injuries were reported in the crash. Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Leah Hyde.
Why Secondary Highway Strikes Can Be Especially Dangerous
Secondary strikes on busy highways often occur when vehicles are stopped or disabled in active travel lanes. High speeds and limited visibility can reduce reaction time for approaching drivers, especially during peak traffic periods.
Exiting a vehicle on a freeway can also increase risk due to passing traffic and congestion nearby. Even brief moments on active lanes can expose pedestrians to significant danger.
After incidents like these, investigators typically review vehicle positions, traffic flow, and roadway conditions to understand how the sequence of events unfolded and whether congestion contributed to additional collisions.
