Josephine Orsan killed in pedestrian accident on Lemay Ferry Road

Vehicle left roadway after rear-ending another motorist and struck woman near bus stop

March 13, 2026 | St. Louis, MO

An 88-year-old woman from Saint Louis lost her life after being struck by a vehicle in a collision on Lemay Ferry Road.

Josephine Orsan, 88, died after a vehicle left the roadway following a rear-end crash and struck a pedestrian on Lemay Ferry Road in Saint Louis County.

• Date and Time: Friday, March 13, around 2:30 p.m.
• Location: 1700 block of Lemay Ferry Road, Saint Louis County, Missouri
• Victim: Josephine Orsan, 88, of Saint Louis
• Incident Details: A southbound vehicle rear-ended another car, veered off the road, and hit a bus stop near Orsan.
• Outcome: Orsan was transported to a hospital, where she passed away from her injuries. The driver involved sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized.
• Investigation: Ongoing by the St. Louis County Police Department

What Happened in the Crash?

The sequence began when a southbound motorist collided with the rear of another vehicle. This collision caused the first car to leave the roadway and strike Josephine Orsan, who was waiting at a nearby bus stop. Emergency responders quickly arrived, but Orsan could not be saved despite medical efforts.

Why Do These Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

Pedestrians remain highly vulnerable on roadways, often due to driver inattention, poor visibility, or hazardous conditions. Distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield contribute significantly to such tragedies.

According to a Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) report, Missouri saw 142 pedestrian fatalities in 2024, marking an 11% rise from the prior year. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury-related deaths among pedestrians.

Legal Insights

In cases such as this involving pedestrian collisions, thorough investigations play a crucial role in determining fault and supporting affected families.

“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of 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 are essential to prove negligence in pedestrian accident cases.
• Factors like road conditions and driver behavior must be analyzed carefully.
• Families may pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, and emotional impacts.

For wrongful death scenarios, it is typically the driver's responsibility to yield to pedestrians.

“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,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”

• Legal representation helps navigate insurance negotiations effectively.
• Claims can cover a wide range of losses beyond immediate expenses.
• Compassionate guidance supports families during grief while protecting their rights.

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