Jamesport, MO (May 15, 2025) – A serious collision involving a child on horseback and a vehicle left one young boy critically injured on Wednesday evening east of Jamesport in Daviess County.
A 5-year-old boy from Jamesport was seriously hurt after being ejected when the horse he was riding was struck by a vehicle on Missouri Route 6 near 330th St, approximately two miles east of town. The crash took place at around 6:50 p.m. on May 14, 2025. According to investigators from Troop H, the horse and rider were heading south across the highway when they were hit by an eastbound 2011 Jeep Wrangler driven by an 18-year-old female from Gallatin.
The impact threw the child from the horse, causing him to land on the roadway with serious injuries. He was flown by Life Flight to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. The Jeep sustained total damage and was removed by a private party. The horse was also removed privately, and its condition was not disclosed.
Emergency medical support was provided on the scene by Grundy County EMS, with additional support from the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office. The driver of the Jeep was reportedly unharmed and had been properly restrained at the time of the collision.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into the unique and tragic circumstances surrounding this incident.
Rural Roadway Hazards in Missouri
Crashes involving horseback riders are rare but not unheard of in Missouri’s rural areas, where horseback travel remains part of the region’s way of life—particularly in Amish and agricultural communities like those near Jamesport. These types of incidents highlight the unique dangers posed when modern vehicle traffic intersects with traditional or non-motorized transport on public roadways.
In this case, a child just five years old was operating a horse in proximity to a state highway. With limited visibility during evening hours and the unpredictability of animal movements, both drivers and horseback riders are exposed to significant risk when sharing road space.
This crash underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and signage in regions where horses and buggies are common. Even well-intentioned drivers may have difficulty reacting in time to unexpected crossings, especially when visibility or reaction windows are short.
The child involved was not wearing any safety equipment—an unfortunate but common reality in equestrian transport. Unlike motor vehicles, horseback travel offers little protection in the event of a collision, making incidents like this especially dangerous for young riders.
As this community reels from the shock of a young child being airlifted after such a traumatic event, it raises questions about roadway design, driver awareness, and community safety measures in rural Missouri.
If your family has been affected by a crash—whether motorized or involving horseback travel—understanding your rights and getting timely medical and legal guidance can make a critical difference.
Local Accident Reports provides compassionate updates and essential resources following serious accidents. We are committed to keeping rural communities informed and supported. If you or someone you know was involved in an accident, reach out today to learn how we can help you take the next steps toward recovery.
