Fatal crash closes I-44 in Greene County

GREENE COUNTY, Mo. (KOAM) — Missouri State Highway Patrol are investigating a fatal crash that occurred at 9 p.m. Wednesday evening along I-44 that caused the westbound lanes to close for hours.

All traffic westbound had to exit at 67 mile marker (Republic/Bois D’Arc).

The MCIU (Major Crash Investigation Unit) incl. Cpl T.R. Wright gathered information for crash reconstruction.

Preliminary information has determined Stephen Branstetter, 36, of Mount Vernon, Mo. was traveling westbound on I-44, driving a 2013 Ford Fusion. He was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Cruz Rincon , 38, of Pueblo, Texas, was driving a 2019 Freightliner westbound on I-44. After investigation he was able to drive from the scene with minor damage.

“[Ford Focus] was traveling west on I-44 around 64 mile marker with heavy slow moving traffic present due to construction ahead. [Ford Focus] was attempting to change lanes to pass a slow moving semi truck and struck the rear of the trailer. [Driver] was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

— Tpr R.G. Watkins, of Troop D, Greene Co

This is a breaking news story, watch for updates here on KOAM News Now, Joplin News First.