Off-duty deputy and his young daughters among 4 killed in highway crash, sheriff says
NEW MADRID COUNTY, Mo. (KFVS/Gray News) - Four people killed in a two-vehicle crash on Tuesday in southeast Missouri were described as a teen, an off-duty deputy and his two young daughters.
The 17-year-old girl who died in the crash has now been identified as Nevaeh Ladiamond Debose, an 11th grade student in the New Madrid County R-1 School District.
She was from Lilbourn.
The New Madrid County School District confirmed in a statement on social media that two of their students died in the crash, including one in high school and the other in preschool.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened Tuesday at around 4:35 p.m. on Highway U between Lilbourn and New Madrid.
New Madrid County Sheriff Ronnie Adams said an off-duty deputy was killed, along with his two young daughters. The deputy was driving a personal vehicle, the sheriff added.
The deputy was identified on Wednesday as Dustin Colbert.
The deputy and his daughters, ages 4 and 1, were also from Lilbourn.
The sheriff confirmed a second vehicle was involved in the crash and the driver was identified as the 17-year-old girl.
According to the state highway patrol’s online traffic report, the 41-year-old deputy lost control of his vehicle and crossed the centerline before hitting the second car.
All four people died at the scene.
“Keep us in your prayers,” Adams said.
New Madrid Mayor Nick White also shared a statement online.
“To say my heart is broken for the families tonight is an understatement,” White said.
Law enforcement agencies across the state have also expressed condolences by sharing “Rest in peace 367” messages.
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