Foley, MO — February 17, 2025, One person was killed and another was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 6:30 A.M. on MO 79.
An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead and sent another to the hospital during the morning hours of February 17th. According to official reports, a Nissan Kicks with two occupants was traveling on Missouri 79 in the northbound lanes when a deer appeared on the road prompting the Nissan to swerve, resulting in the vehicle losing control and go off-road, overturning in the process.
When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the 73-year-old female passenger had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased, while the 70-year-old male driver sustained serious injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment. At this time the identities of the occupants have not been released, along with additional facts of the accident, however this is an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators can provide clear answers for the loved ones of those involved. A crash caused by an animal on the road may seem like an unavoidable accident, but in my experience, these incidents are often more complex than they first appear. To truly understand what happened, three critical questions must be asked.
First, have authorities thoroughly investigated the crash? Law enforcement will typically document the scene, assess road conditions, and determine whether the driver took evasive action to avoid the deer. However, further analysis may be necessary. Did the roadway have adequate signage or barriers to prevent wildlife from entering? Were there any skid marks or other indications that the driver attempted to regain control? A full accident reconstruction could help clarify how and why the vehicle overturned.
Second, has anyone looked into the possibility of a vehicle defect? People often assume that losing control is solely the result of driver reaction, but mechanical failures—such as steering malfunctions, brake issues, or stability control failures—can also play a role. Modern vehicles are designed with safety features intended to help drivers maintain control in sudden maneuvers, so it’s important to examine whether the Nissan Kicks’ systems functioned as expected. If the vehicle is quickly repaired or scrapped, key evidence may be lost before investigators have a chance to determine if a defect contributed to the crash.
Third, has all electronic data relating to the crash been collected? The electronic control module (ECM) may provide critical insights, including the vehicle’s speed, braking efforts, and steering input before the crash. Additionally, nearby traffic or surveillance cameras might have captured useful footage. If investigators don’t secure this evidence quickly, it could be lost, making it harder to determine exactly what happened.
At the end of the day, the families of those involved deserve clear answers. If the official investigation leaves any gaps, independent experts may be needed to ensure that every possible factor is considered. Whether the cause was environmental, mechanical, or something else entirely, the community owes it to those affected to make sure that all available evidence is carefully examined.
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