Four Killed in Boone County Head-on Crash

Four people were killed and three more were seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Monday evening in Boone County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, driven by 19-year-old Keith L. Sumner of Rocheport, was traveling south in the northbound lanes of US 63 (north of Columbia) just before 7:30 p.m. Monday night.

The Hyundai struck a northbound 2004 Ford Escape head-on, according to the report. The crash occurred 1288 feet north of Lake Road.

The Hyundai was driven by 29-year-old Jessica D. McKinlay of Columbia. Both drivers died in the crash, as well as two passengers in the Ford – 34-year-old Christopher S. McClain of Columbia and a 10-year-old female from Columbia. They were pronounced dead by Boone-Callaway County Medical Examiner Stacey Huck. The deceased were taken to Parker-Millard Funeral Home in Columbia.

Injured were three juveniles – a six-year-old boy, a three-year-old girl and a two-year-old girl – all from Columbia. They were transported by ambulance to University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Both vehicles were totaled.

The report noted that the drivers were the only ones wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Two of the passengers in the Ford were ejected.

Northbound traffic was shut down for about three hours while debris was being cleaned up and a crash investigation was under way.