Boonville Woman Killed in I-70 Bridge Accident at Rocheport

The Missouri State Highway Patrol was working an accident Wednesday morning that occurred around 6:30 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-70 on the Rocheport Bridge east of Boonville in Cooper County.

The accident claimed the life of a 35-year-old Boonville woman who was reportedly ejected from her vehicle and thrown off the bridge. The body was later recovered and identified as Chantel M. Winfield.

According to a report released by the Patrol, Whitfield, driving a 2002 Kia Sportage on westbound I-70, lost control on the ice-covered roadway, traveled off the left side and struck a concrete barrier, the returned to the roadway.

Winfield then attempted to exit the vehicle while it was still in motion, when it was struck by a westbound 2018 International LT 62F, driven by 51-year-old Michael S. Gulley of Lawrence, Kansas.

The Sportage continued off the right side of the roadway, and the driver was ejected.

The Sportage then struck a concrete barrier. Winfield was pronounced deceased by Cooper County Coroner James Hurt at 7:51 a.m.

Gulley was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, while Winfield was reportedly not. Her body was taken to H.T. May and Son Funeral Home in Boonville.

Two others suffered minor injuries in the wreck. Also, the MSHP's Major Crash unit was reconstructing the fatal accident.

The westbound lanes were closed for a time and one lane was reopened by 8:30 a.m., according to the Patrol.

Seven Troopers were on scene, in addition to other members of law enforcement and rescue personnel.