East Prairie teen killed in crash, another teen seriously injured

An East Prairie, Missouri, teenager was killed and another seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash late Friday in Mississippi County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at 10 p.m., seven miles south of Wyatt, Missouri, as a 17-year-old male of East Prairie, whose name was not released by officials, was killed after the southbound vehicle he was driving on Missouri Highway 77 ran off the road and ejected him. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:55 a.m. Saturday by Mississippi County Coroner Terry Parker and taken to McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, Missouri.

His passenger, a 16-year-old male of East Prairie whose name was also not released was transported by ambulance to Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Missouri.

East Prairie R-2 Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman took to the district’s official Facebook page early Saturday to confirm the two teens were East Prairie High School students.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I write to you this morning,” Cornman said. “I'm sad to announce the passing of one of our Eagle Family, a member of our High School student body. Out of respect for the family, I am not sharing the student's name at this time. Our heart goes out to them. We hurt and mourn with them during their time of grief and loss.

The superintendent continued: “Another EP Eagle was injured in the accident and our thoughts, as well as prayers, are with them during their time of recovery. The EPR-2 District will have grief support in place to assist any students in need as we mourn this loss together. I encourage you all to hug your family and hold them tight. Live, love and forgive like there is no tomorrow. ...we are never promised tomorrow.”