Bootheel man killed in Stoddard County crash

BERNIE, Mo. -- A 37-year-old Catron, Mo., man died in a wreck Monday in Stoddard County, the Daily Statesman reported. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Jonithan L. Dodson was traveling northbound on Highway 153 five miles east of Bernie when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle turning onto the road from Route Z. The patrol said 19-year-old Holly L. Pruitt, of Lilbourn, Mo., pulled into the path of Dodson at the 153 and Route Z intersection. Both vehicles reportedly ran off the road, and Dodson's vehicle overturned. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Pruitt sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau for treatment.

Dodson was an employee of the John Deere Implement Co. east of Dexter and was reportedly en route to work when the accident occurred. The patrol states he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the wreck. Pruitt reportedly was wearing a safety device.

Dodson's death marks the 13th fatality in the Troop E area for the year 2011.

Pertinent address:

Bernie, MO