Mark Maessen of St. Ann, Mo, Dies Had Prior Charges for Drinking and Driving

On January 24, 2010 at 8:48pm, Mark D. Maessen, 43 of St. Ann, Missouri died in a 2 car fatal crash on the southbound Interstate 270 ramp at Interstate 370 west, in St. Louis County. 2 Vehicles, a 2000 Nissan Quest driven by Charles W. Pritchett, 41 of St. Peters, Missouri and 2002 Dodge Dakota, driven by Mark D. Maessen, were traveling west on Interstate 370 when the front of Maessen's Dakota struck the rear of Pritchet's Nissan. The Dakota, driven by Maessen went off the left side of the roadway and struck a reflective post then continued westbound under the overpass and struck a concrete pillar.

Mark D. Maessen was pronounced dead on the scene by St. Louis County Medical personnel at 10:05pm. Because of the condition of the vehicle it is not known if he was wearing his seatbelt. The driver of the Nissan, Charles Pritchett, sustained only moderate injuries and was wearing his seatbelt.

According to public court documents, Mark D Maessen had a history with Missouri State Highway Patrol having prior charges as early as 1988 for Excessive Blood Alcohol Content. He lost his drivers license and then also received several "Driving while Suspended" charges as well. Court documentation shows the following charges on his arrest record:

3/26/1988 Excessive BAC - Prior Offender { Misdemeanor A RSMo: 577.012 }

1/06/1989 DWS (Points) { Misdemeanor Unclassified RSMo: 302.321 }

5/06/1989 Excessive BAC - Prior Offender { Misdemeanor A RSMo: 577.012 }

6/23/89 DWS (Points) { Misdemeanor Unclassified RSMo: 302.321 }

10/26/89 DWS (Points) { Misdemeanor Unclassified RSMo: 302.321 }

3/26/88 Excessive BAC - Prior Offender { Misdemeanor A RSMo: 577.012 }

Parking Violation in 1990

It has not been disclosed if Maessen was under the influence at the time of this accident. He has left behind a grieving family as reported in his obituary by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch which read as follows:

"Maessen, Mark D. on Sun. Jan. 24, 2010. Beloved son of Carla and the late Harley Maessen. Best friend of Mary Ronnie Yashuk; cherished father of Jordan Maessen and step-father to Steven Yashuk; brother of Paul Maessen; our dear grandson, nephew and friend to many. Services: Funeral services from ALEXANDER Funeral Home 11101 St. Charles Rock Rd. Fri. Jan 29, 2010 at 11:00 AM. Interment Mt. Lebanon Cemetery. The family will receive family and friends on Thurs., Jan 28, 2010 at Alexander Funeral Home from 3-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Jordan Maessen College Fund in care of the Funeral Home."