Hundreds attend funeral for fallen state trooper killed in Audrain Co. crash

Hundreds attended a Friday funeral for a fallen Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper.

25-year-old Trooper James Bava was killed in a single-car crash last Friday morning in rural Audrain County.

Highway Patrol on Friday said Bava was responding to a speeding motorcyclist before he crashed on Route FF. Troopers found and interviewed the motorcyclist but didn’t take him into custody.

Trooper Bava’s funeral began at 9:30 Friday morning and ended around 11:30, leading into the procession, which included law enforcement and emergency personnel.

Part of the procession route was lined with emergency vehicles and two fire trucks raised ladders with a large American flag for the procession to drive under.

Law enforcement agencies from across the country showed up at Dardenne Prairie Presbyterian Church to pay their respects to Bava.

More than 100 people showed up to line the processional route, holding flags and signs in support of Bava and all law enforcement.

Trooper Bava is the first Missouri state trooper in Troop F killed in the line of duty since 1981.

Bava’s family asks those who wish to send a memorial to do so to the MASTERS, or the Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society at 5287 Highway 67 North in Poplar Bluff, zip code 63901.

That organization provides financial aid to the surviving members of troopers killed in the line of duty.