Local Woman Killed over Labor Day Holiday

The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) has released preliminary statistics for the 2025 Labor Day holiday weekend, revealing that five people lost their lives in traffic crashes and one person drowned during the holiday period. The counting period for the Labor Day holiday began at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 29, and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 1.

During this time, MSHP troopers responded to 222 traffic crashes across the state, resulting in 104 injuries and five fatalities. Additionally, troopers made 100 arrests for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and 14 for drug-related offenses.

On Missouri’s waterways, troopers investigated three boating crashes, which resulted in four injuries and no fatalities. Nine individuals were arrested for boating while intoxicated (BWI). However, one drowning was recorded during the holiday. The drowning incident occurred on Saturday, August 30, at Lake of the Ozarks.

Among the fatal incidents was the death of a 48-year-old female pedestrian from Excelsior Springs, Missouri. She was struck while walking on southbound Missouri 291, north of Middlebrook Drive in Clay County. The driver, a 22-year-old who was wearing a seat belt and was not injured, was unable to avoid the collision. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by Paramedic Cameron Conrad. The Liberty Police Department assisted MSHP at the scene.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Missouri Highway Patrol Urges Safety for Labor Day Weekend

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging residents and visitors to prioritize safety as they celebrate the upcoming Labor Day weekend. With increased travel expected both on the state’s roads and waterways, Turner emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and observing all Missouri laws to help prevent accidents and injuries.

This year’s Labor Day counting period extends from 6 p.m. Friday, August 29, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 1, 2025. The holiday is traditionally one of the busiest for boating in Missouri. Before heading out on the water, boaters are reminded to inspect fuel lines and battery charge, and to exercise caution while refueling. Turning off electrical devices, inspecting for leaks, and using a blower system prior to restarting are recommended steps to avoid hazards.

Statistics from last year’s holiday underscore the need for vigilance: four boating crashes resulted in two fatalities and eight injuries, along with one drowning. Troopers made six arrests for boating while intoxicated during the 2024 holiday period. Marine enforcement officers will be patrolling Missouri’s waterways to promote safety, but boaters are asked to remain alert for other vessels and swimmers, avoid overloading boats, and respect right-of-way rules. Excessive wakes that cause harm may result in enforcement action or civil liability. Wearing life jackets remains a key safety recommendation.

On the roads, safety is equally critical. Motorists should inspect their vehicles before travel, drive courteously, obey traffic laws, and always wear seat belts. The dangers of impaired and distracted driving are highlighted by last year’s statistics: 17 people died and 498 were injured in 1,047 traffic crashes over the 2024 Labor Day holiday—an average of one casualty every 9.1 minutes. Troopers arrested 110 people for driving while intoxicated during the same period.

The Highway Patrol will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort), deploying all available troopers to enforce speed limits, seat belt usage, and impaired driving laws. The public is encouraged to report emergencies or criminal activity by calling (800) 525-5555 or *55 from a cell phone, whether on highways or waterways.

For those celebrating with alcohol, the Patrol’s message is clear: designate a sober driver for both vehicles and vessels to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday. Safety remains everyone’s responsibility.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

MSHP Releases Labor Day Holiday Statistics

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that seven people died in traffic crashes, two people died in a boating crash, and one person drowned during the 2024 Labor Day holiday weekend.

The Highway Patrol also reports there were 233 traffic crashes with 115 injuries over the holiday weekend. Troopers also made 108 DWI arrests and five drug arrests.

On Missouri waterways troopers also worked three boating crashes with eight injuries and two fatalities. Troopers also worked eight BWI arrests and one drowning.

The 2024 counting period for the Labor Day holiday was from 6 p.m., Friday, August 30, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, September 2.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Include Safety In Your Plans For Labor Day Weekend

The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages everyone to plan for a safe 2024 Labor Day weekend. Whether you are on the water or on the road, it’s everyone's responsibility to travel safely and observe all Missouri laws.

In Missouri, 15 people died and 477 were injured in 1,058 traffic crashes over the 2023 Labor Day holiday.

The 2024 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will be from 6 p.m., Friday, August 30, 2024, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 2, 2024.

In Missouri, 15 people died and 477 were injured in 1,058 traffic crashes over the 2023 Labor Day holiday. This means one person was killed or injured every 9.5 minutes. Troopers arrested 125 people for driving while intoxicated during last year’s holiday weekend.

In 2023, there were 12 boating crashes which included zero fatalities and three injuries. No one drowned over last year's Labor Day holiday. Troopers arrested 10 people for boating while intoxicated during last year's counting period.

The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways and waterways. Troopers on the roadways will be enforcing Missouri’s speed limit, seat belt, and impaired driving laws, in addition to being available to assist motorists.

Never operate a vehicle or vessel while you are impaired. Alcohol affects your judgement, reaction time, vision, coordination, and comprehension. The movement of the boat, vibration and noise from the boat’s motor, sun, and wind are all boating stressors and enhance the effect of alcohol on your body. If alcohol is part of your water activities, drink responsibly, and never operate a vessel if you’ve consumed alcohol.

The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency. These emergency numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies. If your celebration includes alcohol, designate someone else to drive whether you are in your boat or your car.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.