Columbia Woman Dies in Head-on Collision in Boone County

A Columbia woman died Friday evening in a head-on collision that occurred in Boone County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a westbound 2001 Chevy Silverado, driven by 34-year-old Joseph D. Richards of Columbia, was on Route K, just east of Old Plank Road at 5 p.m., when he encountered a line of stopped vehicles ahead. Richards failed to slow down and swerved across the center line and collided head-on with an eastbound 2006 Pontiac G6, driven by 43-year-old Tina M. Rains of Columbia.

Rains was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:20 p.m. by Dr. Jon Morton. Rains was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, according to the report. The body was taken to the Boone County Medical Examiner's Office.

Richards had minor injuries, and refused medical treatment. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, according to the report.

Both vehicles were totaled.