Pleasant Hill Man Dies in Cass County Accident

A Pleasant Hill man died in a one-vehicle accident that occurred early Saturday morning in Cass County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 22-year-old Gabriel L. Smith of Pleasant Hill was the driver of a southbound 2003 Chevy Tahoe on Missouri 7, north of 203rd Street at 12:15 a.m., when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway. The drive then overcorrected, causing the Tahoe to travel off the left side of the roadway, striking several trees. The driver was partially ejected.

Smith was pronounced dead at Centerview Hospital at 7:15 a.m. by Dr. Kelly James. Smith was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, according to the report.

His passenger, 22-year-old Dakota R. Kirk of Independence, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Research Medical Center for treatment. He was wearing a seat belt.

The Chevy was totaled.