Wrong-way vehicle struck truck south of Pomona
December 18, 2025 | West Plains, MO
A tragic wrong-way crash on Dec. 18 along northbound U.S. Highway 63 south of Pomona claimed the life of a 48-year-old West Plains resident.
West Plains police arrested Jason Morgan, 40, of Marionville, Missouri, following the incident involving two Ford F-250 pickup trucks.
Jason Morgan, 40, of Marionville, was arrested after his wrong-way Ford F-250 struck another pickup head-on on U.S. Highway 63 south of Pomona in Howell County.
What Happened in the Crash?
Law enforcement responded to reports of a vehicle driving the wrong way on northbound U.S. 63 around 3:30 a.m. A head-on collision soon followed between a 2022 Ford F-250 and a 1991 Ford F-250, approximately 1.5 miles south of Pomona near Howell Memorial Cemetery.
- Date and Time: Dec. 18, 2025, around 3:30 a.m.
- Location: Northbound U.S. Highway 63, 1.5 miles south of Pomona, Howell County, Missouri.
- Vehicles Involved: 2022 Ford F-250 pickup truck and 1991 Ford F-250 pickup truck.
- Outcome: One driver, a 48-year-old West Plains man, was pronounced dead at the scene, and the suspect fled on foot.
The victim’s identity has not been publicly released pending family notification.
How Was the Suspect Apprehended?
After the crash, the surviving driver fled the scene on foot. A joint search by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Howell County Sheriff's Department, and West Plains Police Department led to the suspect's location. Officers found Jason Morgan, who was transported by ambulance for medical treatment.
During transport, Morgan admitted to consuming alcohol and driving southbound in the northbound lanes. A breath test revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.216%, exceeding Missouri's legal limit of 0.08%.
Morgan now faces charges of driving while intoxicated, causing death, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. He was booked into Howell County Jail following treatment.
The incident remains under active investigation by the involved agencies.
Why Do Wrong-Way Crashes Occur?
Wrong-way driving often stems from impairment, such as alcohol or drugs, disorientation at interchanges, or signage issues. According to the National Safety Council, impaired driving contributes to about 10% of fatal automobile accidents nationwide, making it the second-leading cause of roadway deaths.
Factor |
Contribution to Fatal Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Alcohol Impairment |
10% of all fatal accidents |
National Safety Council |
Wrong-Way Driving Incidents |
Often linked to DUI |
Federal Highway Administration |
Head-On Collisions |
13% of fatal crashes |
CDC |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving impaired driving and fatal outcomes, national legal analysts provide perspective on accountability and recourse.
“Drunken and drugged drivers face criminal charges after accidents that harm or kill others,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
“The stress and sorrow of losing a loved one can be overwhelming, and protecting rights through legal action is essential,” added Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
- Impaired drivers risk severe criminal penalties, including DWI causing death.
- Families may pursue civil claims for compensation covering loss of companionship, pain, and emotional distress.
- Consulting a wrongful death attorney ensures updates on investigations and safeguards interests.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(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).