An accident on Highway 8 west of Marler Road resulted in the death of one man and serious injuries to a woman on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. The crash occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m., according to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The incident involved a 2018 BMW M240i, driven by 23-year-old Jadyn M. Dee of Park Hills, Missouri, and a 1997 Oldsmobile Regency, driven by 86-year-old Leroy J. Rolens of Potosi, Missouri. According to the report, Dee was traveling eastbound on Highway 8 when she attempted to pass several vehicles by entering the westbound lanes. Rolens, who was traveling westbound, was unable to avoid a collision with Dee’s vehicle, resulting in a head-on crash.
Both vehicles were totaled in the crash and were towed from the scene by Marler’s Towing. Dee, who was wearing a seat belt, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Mercy Hospital St. Louis by Air Evac helicopter. Rolens, who was also wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Francois County Coroner at 5:05 p.m. His body was transported to the St. Francois County Morgue.
The crash was investigated by Trooper T. E. McVeigh and members of the Major Crash Investigation Unit, including Sergeant M. B. Lomedico. Corporal A. J. Shibley, Trooper A. D. Pogue, and Trooper Z. L. Ricker also assisted at the scene.
