Ten-year-old great-grandson fatally injured in accident; two children hurt in separate accident; Winston child hit in driveway

Keenan Hershberger, Chillicothe, the great-grandson of Virginia Walker of Gallatin, was fatally injured in an accident at about 8:33 p.m. on Friday, June 27, in Buchanan County.

According to a report by the Missouri Highway Patrol, Christopher Hershberger, 34, St. Joseph, was southbound on U.S. 59 two miles south of St. Joseph. Another vehicle, a 2001 Jeep Cherokee, driver unknown, struck the rear of Mr. Hershberger’s vehicle. Mr. Hershberger lost control. His vehicle, a 2002 Chrysler Sebring, traveled off the west side of the roadway, overturned several times, and came to rest on its wheels off the west side of U.S. 59.

Keenan was taken to Heartland Regional Medical Center by Heartland Ambulance. He was transported to Children’s Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead by Dr. Stephen Klem at

11:07 on Saturday, June 28.

Christopher Hershberger and his son, Christopher Hershberger, 13, and another passenger, Robert Duncan, 52, all of St. Joseph, were transported by private vehicle to Heartland Regional, all with minor injuries. All were wearing their seat belts.

The accident was investigated by Tpr. D. Christmas, assisted by Cpl. J. Christensen, Tpr. J. Gilliland, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Depart, St. Joseph Police Department and St. Joseph Fire Department.

The driver of the Jeep Cherokee left the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement.

On July 1, 2008, troopers arrested Michael Burgess, 29, of St. Joseph, for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident (felony) and operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner.

Troopers from the Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control joined the investigation that led them to Burgess. Troopers found the 2001 Jeep Cherokee abandoned in rural Buchanan County. The investigation is continuing.

The charges for which this individual has been arrested are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Four people, including two children, were injured in an accident on Hwy. 6 at the north edge of Gallatin at about 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25.

According to a report by the Missouri Highway Patrol, Marquis Wheeler, 17, Gallatin, was westbound on Hwy. 6. She made a left turn in front of an eastbound vehicle, driven by Audie Bland, 54, of Cameron. Mrs. Bland’s vehicle struck Marquis’ vehicle in the right front tire. Both vehicles came to rest on their wheels in the intersection of Hwy. 6 and Hwy. 13.

Ms. Bland, who was wearing her seat belt, was taken by Caldwell County Ambulance to Cameron Regional Medical Center with moderate injuries.

Marquis and two passengers, Kegan Green, 9, and Eowyn Otto, 3, all of Gallatin, were taken to Cameron Regional by Daviess County and Gallatin Ambulances. Kegan and Marquis received moderate injuries. Eowyn was seriously injured. Neither the driver nor passengers were wearing safety devices.

Mrs. Bland’s 2000 Chevrolet Venture and Marquis’ 1993 Toyota Celica were totaled and towed by Bridgeman’s.

The accident was investigated by Tpr. B.E. Maudlin, assisted by Tpr. J.P. Lynch, the Gallatin police department, fire department and first responders.

A six-year-old from Winston was moderately inured when he was struck by a vehicle in a private driveway at about 9:19 p.m. on Thursday, June 26.

April Wollam, 29, Winston, was attempting to turn around in a driveway at 405 West Grant Street in Winston, according to the highway patrol. Logan Salmon, who was sitting about 10 feet away from the vehicle, was struck by the 2001 Ford Windstar.

Logan was taken by Daviess County Ambulance to Cameron Regional Medical Center.

The accident was investigated by Tpr. T. Goolsby, assisted by the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department.

No summons was issued

Rose Gatton, 48, of Gallatin received minor injuries in an accident occurring at about 3:35 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, on Hwy. 69, one mile south of Altamont.

According to the highway patrol, Davin Lucassen, 16, Winston, was turning northbound from a private drive. Mrs. Gatton was also northbound. The two vehicles collided near the center of the roadway.

Mrs. Gatton was taken to Cameron Regional Medical Center by the Daviess County Ambulance. She was wearing her seat belt.

Mrs. Gatton’s 2006 Ford, towed by Bridgeman’s of Altamont, and Davin’s 2007 Ford SUV, towed by Tarepin, were both moderately damaged.

The accident was investigated by Cpl. P. Kimball, assisted by Tpr. B. Maudlin and the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office.

Summons to Davin Lucassen for failure to yield when entering from a private drive.