Derek Bridges Greenfield MO Death – A devastating car accident on the evening of September 28, 2024, claimed the life of Derek Bridges, a 53-year-old resident of Greenfield, Missouri.
The fatal crash occurred on County Road 187, approximately 2.8 miles southwest of Dadeville, a rural area in Dade County. Authorities responded quickly, but tragically, Bridges succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol received the call and arrived at the accident site around 7:07 p.m. According to their report, Bridges was driving his 2018 Toyota Camry northbound when the car veered off the roadway. The vehicle crossed the left side of the road, went over a bridge, and plunged into a nearby river, overturning upon impact.
Investigators noted that Bridges was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, leading to his ejection from the vehicle. Dade County Coroner Gary Vanta was present and pronounced Bridges dead at the scene at approximately 7:30 p.m., just minutes after the crash.
The accident prompted an immediate response from several local emergency services. The Dade County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri Department of Conservation, Dade Fire Department, and Cox Ambulance EMS all rushed to the scene, but despite their swift arrival and efforts, there was nothing they could do to save Bridges. His body was later transported to the Greenfield Funeral Chapel.
This tragic incident is the 82nd fatality reported by Troop D of the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 2024, casting a somber spotlight on the persistent dangers associated with rural roadways in Missouri. While the cause of the accident is still under investigation, authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution on these less-traveled roads.
One key preventive measure emphasized by officials is the importance of wearing seat belts, which have been proven to drastically reduce the risk of fatal injuries in accidents. In 2023 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that nearly half of all traffic fatalities involved individuals not wearing seat belts.