Sikeston man dies from injuries received in Jan. 1 car crash

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston man died Wednesday from injuries he received in a New Year's Day car crash.

James Walter Gates, 51, had been hospitalized with a brain stem injury since the crash, which claimed the lives of his 12-year-old daughter Brittany Gates and his sister-in-law Evelyn Orman.

Another passenger, 11-year-old Ashley Gates, was seriously injured. She is out of the hospital, but still receives physical therapy.

The crash also involved Scott County deputy Sgt. Steve Shoemaker, who was on duty at the time.

A reconstruction report of the crash indicated that drivers Shoemaker and Orman didn't see each other until it was too late.

The accident occurred after dark on U.S. 61 north of Sikeston at the intersection of County Road 452.

Orman was apparently driving the members of the Gates family home at the time of the crash. Accident reports indicate she was turning left when her car was struck from behind by Shoemaker's unmarked patrol car.

Shoemaker was responding to an emergency call, passed two other cars and was attempting to pass Orman's vehicle.

He was wearing a seat belt only received minor injuries in the accident. The passengers in the other vehicle were not wearing seat belts.

Gates was employed by city of Sikeston Parks Department for 28 years. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.