One dead, one injured in early-morning wreck
Dec. 13—One person is dead and another is seriously injured following a single-vehicle crash at about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday in Gentry County.
The driver, Nicholas R. Merrigan, 38, of Clarksdale, Missouri, was southbound on U.S. 169, two miles south of Stanberry, Missouri, when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway. The 2011 Dodge Charger ran off the east side of the road, struck a utility pole and became airborne, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report.
The vehicle hit the ground and became airborne again, crossing 460th Road, before hitting the ground once more. It began overturning and crossed 372nd Street. The vehicle came to rest on its wheels facing southeast.
A passenger, Michael H. Perman, 44, of King City, Missouri, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Gentry County coroner. Merrigan was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with serious injuries.
Perman was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Merrigan was wearing one, the report said.
Highway patrol reports show Merrigan was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and careless and imprudent driving. No charges have been filed.
