Lafayette County, MO — January 16, 2026, one person was killed and two others were injured in a car accident at about 6:30 p.m. on U.S. Highway 65.

Authorities said a southbound 2009 Ford Focus lost control on the ice-covered highway and collided with a northbound 2021 Ford Explorer east of Waverly.

The driver of the Focus, a 28-year-old Marshall woman, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

The Explorer driver, a 32-year-old woman, and the 35-year-old man riding with her suffered moderate injuries in the crash, authorities said. Two children in the SUV suffered minor injuries.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Lafayette County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Moments when lives are suddenly cut short remind us how much can be hidden beneath the surface of a crash. Onlookers often point to the weather or the road, but a more complete picture always depends on whether those with investigative authority ask the right questions, and whether others are willing to dig deeper when they don’t.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? The presence of ice on the road might lead some to treat this case as an open-and-shut situation, but that risks missing key facts. A truly thorough investigation goes beyond noting surface conditions. It involves mapping the crash scene, examining pre-impact paths and scrutinizing driver behavior before the collision. Was the vehicle traveling at a reasonable speed for conditions? Were headlights on? Was traction lost due to driver input, a roadway hazard or something else entirely? Without this level of detail, it’s hard to know whether the loss of control was inevitable, or avoidable.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? When a car veers out of its lane and ends up in the path of oncoming traffic, that warrants a mechanical review. Was there a brake issue, a steering failure or even a stuck throttle? Icy roads can complicate things, but they shouldn’t obscure the possibility that the vehicle itself didn’t respond as expected. Older models, like a 2009 vehicle, bring added concern: worn components or overlooked recalls could be at play. Without a hands-on inspection, no one can say for sure.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Electronic records from either vehicle could fill in critical blanks. Did the driver of the Focus attempt to brake? Was there any indication of distraction or sudden swerving? Data from the newer SUV, such as GPS or onboard safety systems, could help confirm timing, speeds and even evasive actions. Traffic cameras or nearby surveillance may also show whether the collision unfolded the way it’s been described.

It’s easy to chalk up crashes like this to weather and move on. But families and communities deserve more than easy answers. Only by pressing into what may have gone unnoticed can we understand what truly happened.

Key Takeaways:

• Weather alone doesn’t explain what caused a crash; proper investigation digs deeper.
• Mechanical problems in older vehicles can surface at the worst moments and often go unchecked.
• Electronic data from the vehicles may hold key clues that weren't obvious at the scene.