Higginsville Man Killed in Lafayette County Crash

A Higginsville man was killed and two others injured in a three-vehicle crash that occurred Friday in Lafayette County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a northbound 2022 Chevy Malibu, driven by 71-year-old Gary H. Starke of Higginsville, was on Missouri Highway 13 and stopped to make a left turn onto Jennings Road (south of Higginsville) around 4:15 p.m., when a northbound 2014 Ford Focus, driven by 25-year-old Brett J. Fleener of Higginsville, failed to stop and struck the rear of the Malibu. The Malibu was then pushed into the southbound lane of 13 and was struck by a southbound 2016 Chevy Malibu, driven by 40-year-old Christopher J. Goodin of Higginsville.

Starke was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:45 p.m., by Lafayette County Deputy E.A. Edge. The body was taken to Hoefer Funeral Home in Higginsville.

Fleener suffered minor injuries and was transported to Centerpoint Medical Center by private vehicle.

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40-year-old William E. Jennings, a passenger in the 2016 Chevy Malibu, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Centerpoint Medical Center by Lexington EMS.

All three vehicles were totaled and towed by Jackson County Tow.

Higginsville Police and Lafayette County Deputies assisted the Patrol.

Mass of Christian Burial for Starke will be held on Thursday, March 14 at 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church.

There will be no visitation, and burial will be held at a later date.