Mountain View, MO (April 23, 2025) – A tragic collision north of Mountain View on Tuesday afternoon resulted in the death of a 78-year-old woman and injuries to another driver, marking a sharp reminder of the dangers on Missouri’s rural highways. The fatal accident happened at approximately 2:40 p.m. on MO-17, about seven miles north of town.
The crash unfolded when a northbound 2013 Mazda 2, driven by a woman from Winona, MO, turned left into the path of an oncoming 2020 GMC Yukon. The southbound Yukon collided with the Mazda, causing catastrophic damage. Investigators from the Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that the elderly driver of the Mazda was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Trooper B.A. Swink, along with support from multiple members of the major crash team, responded to the scene. The driver of the Mazda was pronounced deceased at 2:45 p.m. by Texas County Coroner Brent Honeycutt. Her body was transported to Yarber Mortuary in Mountain View, and next of kin were promptly notified.
The 65-year-old woman driving the Yukon, a resident of Summersville, MO, sustained minor injuries. She was transported via private vehicle to Mercy St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View. Her vehicle suffered extensive damage and was towed at her request. The Mazda was declared totaled and removed from the scene by Gentleman Jim’s Towing.
This incident marks the 10th fatality for Troop G in 2025—more than triple the number reported at this time in 2024. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the collision.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the woman who lost her life in this crash.
Fatal Crashes on Rural Missouri Highways
The roads stretching through rural Missouri counties, including Texas County, are often scenic and lightly trafficked, but they can also be deceptively dangerous. Tuesday’s crash north of Mountain View highlights a common hazard on these routes: left-turn conflicts at unregulated intersections or driveways, where line-of-sight and reaction times can be critical.
In this tragic case, the driver of the Mazda 2 attempted a left turn across the path of an oncoming GMC Yukon—a maneuver that frequently leads to high-speed side-impact collisions when misjudged. This type of crash is especially deadly when seatbelt use is lacking, as it was in this instance.
Data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol show that left-turn crashes at rural intersections contribute significantly to annual fatalities across the state, particularly among older drivers. As drivers age, decreased mobility and slower reaction times can make navigating these situations more difficult.
It’s also important to note that the fatality count in Troop G has sharply risen compared to last year. With 10 roadway deaths already recorded in 2025, compared to just three by this time in 2024, the region is experiencing a concerning increase. This underscores the need for renewed focus on rural road safety, especially for older residents.
For surviving family members, such crashes leave lasting emotional and legal implications. Understanding available support options—both immediate and long-term—is critical in the aftermath of a sudden and traumatic loss.
If your family has been affected by a fatal crash in Missouri, compassionate resources are available to guide you through the next steps.
Fatal crashes leave more than just wreckage behind—they leave families searching for answers and support. At Local Accident Reports, we provide timely updates and access to resources that can help you cope and recover. To find guidance and stay informed, visit Local Accident Reports today.
