Neosho school librarian killed in crash on her way to first day of class

A longtime librarian at Neosho Middle School was killed in a multiple-vehicle accident early Wednesday, the first day of class for the 2024-25 year.

Autumn Jane Qualls, 42, was apparently traveling from her home in Seneca to the middle school in Neosho.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Dodge Nitro that Qualls was driving — and two other vehicles — were stopped on eastbound U.S. 60, 3.5 miles from Seneca, because of a school bus.

The wreck was reported at 7:04 a.m. Wednesday.

A 2020 Ram 2500 pickup truck driven by Donald Larmon, 72, of Oklahoma, crested a hill and struck Qualls' vehicle from behind.

Qualls’ vehicle traveled off of the roadway and then the pickup truck hit a 2020 Dodge Ram driven by Jeffrey Boles, 60, of Seneca, and a 2922 Volvo tractor-trailer driven by Mekhriddin Ergashov, 34, of New York.

Qualls, who was wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Newton County Coroner.

Larmon, the driver who struck Qualls' vehicle, and two passengers — Curtis Larmon, 72, and David Quinn, 74 — suffered serious injuries and were taken by ambulance or air ambulance to the Mercy Joplin hospital. They were from Oklahoma and were not wearing seatbelts, the patrol reported.

No other injuries were reported.

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Neosho Superintendent Jim Davis issued a statement Wednesday acknowledging the loss and noting counselors were planning to be available at the middle school in the days that followed.

The statement read, in part: "The Neosho school district is heartbroken to confirm that one of our dedicated staff members, Mrs. Autumn Qualls, Neosho Middle School librarian, was involved in a fatal car accident this morning. Our heartfelt condolences are with her family and friends during this very difficult time. She was an important part of our school family, as she worked in the district for almost 20 years. She was always committed to the well being and success of our students."

Qualls, a 2000 graduate of Seneca High School, and earned a master's degree in library science. She had worked in the district since at least 2006.

Qualls is survived by her husband Brian and 13-year-old twins, Jase and Palmer, among other family members.

A celebration of life memorial service is scheduled for 5 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Seneca Christian Church, according to an obit posted by the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Autumn Qualls Memorial Fund at any Community Bank & Trust location.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Neosho school librarian killed in crash on her way to first day of class