MSHP: Two fatalities during New Year’s counting period

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that there were two fatalities during the New Year’s holiday counting period from Dec. 30, 2016 to Jan. 2, 2017. Troopers investigated a total of 220 traffic crashes. Out of those crashes, there were 84 injuries and the two fatalities.

Troopers made 103 DWI arrests and 67 drug arrests during the 2017 New Year counting period.

Last year over the New Year’s holiday counting period, Missouri law enforcement agencies reported 954 traffic crashes, 364 injuries and seven fatalities during the 2016 New Year’s holiday counting period.

One fatality happened in Troop D, Springfield area, and the other in Troop F, Jefferson City area. Both fatalities occurred on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2017.

Kenneth J. Claypool, 48, of Branson, MO, died when another vehicle crossed the center line and struck his vehicle nearly head- on. The crash happened in Taney County on Missouri Highway 76. Taney County Deputy Coroner Tony Mullen pronounced Claypool dead at the scene. Hw was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The driver of the other car sustained moderate injuries, and she was wearing a seat belt.

Dillon G. Ramey, 25, of Tipton, MO, died when the vehicle he was driving traveled off of the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. The crash occurred in Moniteau County on U.S. Highway 50. Ramey was pronounced dead at University Hospital. Ramey was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.