MSHP Report
Four people were involved in a two-vehicle accident Thursday, August 26 on US-169, two miles south of Rochester in Andrew County at 12:55 p.m.
Fifty-seven-year-old Michael L. Peterson, Shelbyville, was northbound, driving a 2005 Ford F350, when a 2007 Ford F150, also northbound, driven by Jean M, Smith, 63, St. Joseph, entered US-169 from a private driveway.
Peterson attempted to avoid striking the Ford F150, when Smith struck the passenger side of Peterson’s vehicle. The Ford F350 crossed the center line, started to skid and overturned causing Peterson to be ejected. The vehicle travelled off the northwest side of the roadway and came to rest on its wheels facing southwest. Smith’s vehicle came to rest on its wheels in the northbound lane of US-169 facing north.
Peterson was pronounced dead on the scene by Andrew County Coroner Doug Johnson at 1:30 p.m.
Gary Mayhall, 56, Shelby, Neb., was transported by Andrew County EMS to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with serious injuries. Thirty-seven-year-old, Montgomery P. Hightshoe, Paris, was transported by Andrew County EMS to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with moderate injuries. Both were occupants in Peterson’s vehicle.
Smith had no injuries and was the only one involved who was wearing a seatbelt.
The Ford F350 was totaled. Smith’s vehicle had extensive damage.
The MSHP was assisted by Andrew County Sheriff’s Office and Andrew County Fire and EMS.
