Debra J. Patton Obituary, Death – A fatal single-vehicle crash on October 8, 2024, claimed the life of a 64-year-old woman from St. James, Missouri. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that the accident occurred around 2:48 p.m. on Highway 8, approximately two miles east of St. James.
The victim, identified as Debra J. Patton, was driving a 2018 Lincoln MKC westbound when the vehicle veered off the right side of the road. It struck an embankment and overturned. Patton, who was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, was rushed to Phelps Health Hospital by St. James Ambulance. Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead by Dr. Timothy Fursa at 3:35 p.m.
The vehicle sustained total damage and was towed from the crash site by Miles and Sons Towing.
Troopers C.C. Marlow and K.J. Estes, along with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, responded to the scene. This marks Troop I’s first fatal accident for October and the 27th fatality in 2024 within the troop’s jurisdiction.
This tragic incident highlights the importance of seat belt use and safe driving practices to prevent serious injuries and fatalities on the road.