3 teens killed in crash near Stockton, Mo., MCIU investigate tragedy

CEDAR COUNTY, Mo. — The Missouri State Highway Patrol release preliminary information regarding a crash where three teens died east of Jerico Springs, Mo. on Thursday, August 4.

The single vehicle crash involved a 2006 Toyota Scion with five male teens, traveling westbound on State Hwy B.

The driver, Clay Palmer, 19, of Cleveland, Mo. died at the scene.

Two passengers were also killed including, Ryan Chick, 18, of Cabool, Mo. and Logan Meerkatz, 18, of Cleveland, Mo.

Two passengers survived including, Bradley Kidwell, 18, of Cabool, he suffered serious injuries. And Taylor Ranney, 18, of Mountain Grove, Mo. suffered moderate injuries.

[Toyota] topped a hill, became airborne, travelled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. All three deceased were ejected and all three pronounced at the scene shortly after impact.” — Tpr M. Obert of Troop D

The crashed vehicle was removed by Mike’s Wrecker of Stockton, Mo.

The crash is being investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crash Investigation Unit.

MCIU (MAJOR CRASH INVESTIGATION UNIT)

The Troop D MCIU was summoned to process the crash. Each MCIU officer is, “trained in the human, mechanical and environmental factors of traffic crash investigation. They are considered court experts in the field of traffic crash investigation.”

There are currently four teams located across the state. Each one utilizes Robotic Total Station technology, allowing for the accurate and fair depiction of crash scenes diagrammed to scale.

Stay with Joplin News First on KOAM News Now as we continue to cover news and stories where you live. Scroll below and sign up for our JLNews1st email alerts so you don’t miss an article.

| MORE JOPLIN NEWS FIRST
• Joplin needs school crossing guards BIT.ly/3JTmo9S
• Wildcat Glades Friends 15th Shoal Creek Water Festival BIT.ly/3bRjqpV
• Duenweg Back to School Splash Bash; Free School supplies BIT.ly/3dtxgzc
• Tracy Pickett missing 30 years now BIT.ly/3QlttT5
• 3-year-old unresponsive inside hot vehicle at Carthage BIT.ly/3w0Kry6
• Joplin 150 Celebration Keepsake Coin available BIT.ly/3zQv1xn