12 Deaths During July Fourth Holiday Weekend

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported nine traffic fatalities and three drownings during the 2026 July Fourth holiday counting period, according to preliminary statistics released by Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Patrol.

The counting period began at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 5. During that time, nine people died and 113 were injured in 235 traffic crashes statewide. Troopers also reported 125 driving while intoxicated arrests.

On Missouri waterways, the Patrol investigated three boating crashes, which resulted in three injuries and no boating fatalities. Three drownings were reported during the holiday period, and troopers made nine boating while intoxicated arrests.

The 2026 traffic crash total was lower than the number investigated by the Patrol during the 2025 July Fourth holiday counting period, when troopers handled 273 traffic crashes involving nine fatalities and 138 injuries. Statewide in 2025, 13 people died and 414 were injured in 993 vehicle crashes, and 11 boating crashes were investigated across Missouri.

MSHP officials said additional details about the traffic crashes and arrests are available through the Patrol’s website. The agency also noted that the fatality statistics remain preliminary and could change if late deaths occur or if other departments report fatal crashes after the release is issued.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.