Impaired driver struck pedestrian on southbound side near Purdy
December 29, 2025 | Barry, MO
An 84-year-old woman from Monett lost her life in a tragic pedestrian accident involving an allegedly impaired driver on Farm Road 1090 near Purdy in Barry County.
Amberel Macdermant, 42, of Purdy, was arrested on a DWI death charge after a fatal pedestrian crash involving a 1991 Mazda at Southbound Farm Road 1090.
What Happened in the Crash?
The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) reported that 42-year-old Amberel Macdermant of Purdy was driving a 1991 Mazda southbound when she struck the pedestrian around 6:30 p.m. Emergency crews arrived quickly but pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.
- Date and Time: Dec. 29, 2025, shortly before 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Southbound Farm Road 1090, near Purdy, Barry County, Missouri.
- Vehicle Involved: 1991 Mazda, operated by Amberel Macdermant.
- Pedestrian: 84-year-old woman from Monett, and no name released.
- Outcome: Pedestrian fatality, and driver arrested.
Macdermant failed field sobriety tests and admitted to smoking marijuana before the incident. She faces charges including driving while intoxicated, resulting in death, and operating without a valid license or insurance.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety has deteriorated in recent years, with rising fatalities linked to impaired driving and other factors. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian deaths in Missouri reached about 142 in 2024, up nearly 11% from the prior year.
The National Safety Council (NSC) notes that 10% of fatal crashes involve drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications.
Factor |
Statistic |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Fatalities in Missouri (2024) |
About 142 |
GHSA |
Increase from the Previous Year |
+11% |
GHSA |
Crashes Involving Impairment |
10% of fatal accidents |
NSC |
Common Contributing Factors |
Impaired driving, poor visibility, and road conditions |
Federal Highway Administration |
Investigators often examine elements like lighting, weather, and driver behavior to determine negligence.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, thorough investigations are crucial for understanding pedestrian accidents.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national legal analyst for Newsline. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
- Proper resources aid in proving negligence in pedestrian cases.
- Factors like impairment can lead to severe legal consequences for drivers.
- Families may pursue claims for losses including income, companionship, and emotional distress.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
Attorneys can guide families through insurance negotiations to secure fair compensation.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).