Motorcycle rider from Park Hills struck after southbound vehicle turned left
April 09, 2026 | De Soto, MO
Larry Thomas Huber, a 61-year-old priest from Park Hills, Missouri, lost his life in a tragic motorcycle collision in Jefferson County.
The incident involved his Honda VTX1300 and a Ford Bronco Sport, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by riders on rural routes.
Larry Thomas Huber, 61, died after a Ford Bronco Sport turned into his Honda motorcycle on Route V near De Soto in Jefferson County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The Missouri State Highway Patrol detailed the sequence of the crashes on Route V near Mount Olive Road. Key details include:
- Date and Time: April 9 at 3:09 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of Route V and Mount Olive Road, near De Soto, Jefferson County, Missouri
- Vehicles Involved: 2008 Honda VTX1300 motorcycle northbound, 2023 Ford Bronco Sport southbound
- Crash Dynamics: The Ford driver, a 54-year-old woman from Imperial, attempted a left turn onto Mount Olive Road, entering the motorcycle's path. Huber braked, causing a skid, before the bike struck the Ford's right side.
- Outcome: Huber suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:28 p.m. The Ford driver sustained no injuries.
This collision underscores the risks at intersections where turning vehicles can unexpectedly intersect with oncoming traffic.
How Did the Community Respond to Huber's Death?
Huber served as a priest at Immaculate Conception Church in Park Hills, where he was deeply revered. A candlelight vigil drew approximately 300 mourners on Saturday evening, celebrating his role as a community leader.
The church shared a heartfelt message online, portraying Huber as a dedicated shepherd and teacher whose kindness and faith inspired many. His legacy of service and compassion continues to resonate throughout Park Hills and beyond.
Legal Insights on Motorcycle Collisions
In cases such as this involving motorcyclists and turning vehicles, thorough investigations are essential to determine liability and contributing factors. National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, emphasized the complexities of these incidents.
"Motorcyclists face heightened risks from blind spots, driver inexperience, and distractions. Accident reconstruction and vehicle specialist often provide critical insights into crash causes," said Bond.
Key takeaways from such analyses include:
- Investigating driver backgrounds and witness statements to identify negligence.
- Reviewing insurance coverage to secure fair compensation for losses.
- Engaging specialists to reconstruct circumstances and support legal claims.
These steps help ensure accountability and aid affected families in navigating aftermath challenges.
Year |
Motorcyclist Fatalities (U.S.) |
Comparison to Passenger Vehicles |
|---|
2018 |
4,985 |
28 times higher fatality rate in crashes |
Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For more on roadway safety, visit NHTSA.
Wrongful Death Claims in Fatal Crashes
Families impacted by tragedies like this motorcycle accident may pursue wrongful death claims to address losses such as companionship and emotional distress. National legal analyst Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, noted the emotional toll involved.
"The grief following a loved one's sudden loss in a crash can be overwhelming. Legal support ensures investigations progress and rights are safeguarded," said Formica.
Pursuing such claims involves monitoring official investigations and advocating for appropriate remedies, providing closure and financial stability.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is skilled in handling motorcycle accident cases. Contact her for a free consultation if you or a loved one needs legal guidance.
(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).