On December 13, 2023, at approximately 6:20 p.m., a traffic accident occurred on Highway 169, approximately one mile north of Gower, Missouri. The crash involved a 1997 Mercury Sable driven by Steven R. Green, 61, from Moberly, Missouri, and a 1995 Peterbilt operated by Christian A. Coffey, 58, from Adrian, Missouri.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred when Green, traveling southbound in the Mercury Sable, fell asleep at the wheel. The vehicle crossed the centerline, colliding with the towed unit of the northbound Peterbilt. After the collision, the Mercury Sable veered off the east side of the highway, struck a fence, and came to rest upside down in a creek.
Steven R. Green sustained serious injuries in the crash. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. Green was transported by Tri-County EMS to Mosaic LifeCare in St. Joseph for treatment. The Peterbilt, driven by Coffey, who was wearing a seat belt, suffered minor damage and was able to be driven from the scene.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol was assisted by Trooper A.M. Mapel, Commercial Vehicle Officer J.W. Rhoades, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department, and the Gower Police Department in responding to the crash.
