La Monte Man Suffers Medical Episode While Driving 18-Wheeler

A La Monte man suffered a medical emergency while driving an 18-wheeler and died at the scene of a crash in Pettis County on Thursday morning.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2007 International was eastbound on Route HH, west of Smith Road at 6:45 a.m., when he apparently suffered a fatal medical emergency.

The truck then traveled off the left side of the roadway, striking a fence and several trees before coming to rest.

78-year-old Charles W. Von Holten of La Monte was pronounced dead at 8:43 a.m. by Coroner Brian Morley.

The body was taken to McLaughlin Funeral Home.

The International had extensive damage.

Pettis County Deputies assisted the Patrol at the scene.