Caroline Rogers and Shirley Odell of Richmond Missouri Die in Fatal Crash on US 65

November 30, 2009 - At 9:55 am in Benton County, Missouri a fatal accident occurred killing 2 elderly women and seriously injuring one other. Tommy D. Odell,77, of Richmond, Missouri was driving southbound on US 65, one mile south of Route HH when he crossed the center line of 65 and drove into the northbound lane of traffic. A 2007 Chevy Pickup, hauling a cattle trailer in the northbound lane, swerved in an attempt to avoid the oncoming car. Mr. Odell's Lincoln Towncar hit the rear of the pick up truck and the cattle trailer.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol have yet to release the cause of the accident but have stated there are pending charges. Mr. Odell was transporting 3 other passengers in his vehicle, including Caroline A Rogers, 70, and Shirley A. Odell, both of Richmond, Missouri who died on the scene. Lillian M Collins, 76 of Henrietta, Missouri, who was also riding with them, sustained serious injuries and was taken to St. Lukes Main Hospital in Kansas City by Air Ambulance.. Mr. Odell's injuries were only moderate. The driver of the pickup truck, George Hale, 72, of Bolivar, Missouri was unharmed.