Bentonville sisters killed in Missouri wreck

Friday, December 27, 2013

McDonald County, Mo., Coroner B. J. Goodwin pronounced two sisters from Bentonville dead at the scene of a three-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon on U.S. 71, south of Route H in Pineville, Mo.

The dead were identified as Bethany J. Boxx, 20, and Katelyn M. Boxx, 16. Both were passengers in a 2000 Toyota van driven by their father, David L. Boxx, 51, who sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center in Rogers.

Three other passengers in the van also sustained injuries, including two who were life-flighted to area hospitals. Gracen V. Boxx, 18, was flown to Freeman West Hospital in Joplin. Mo., with serious injuries, while O’Rane G. Williams, 21, of Conway was taken to Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo. with moderate injuries. Janet M. Boxx, 50, received minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital. The Highway Patrol reported all were wearing seat belts except for Williams.

According to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck began when two northbound pickups collided, causing one of the trucks to veer into the southbound lane where it struck the Boxx van in the driver’s side.

The Highway Patrol reported that Troy C. Robins, 19, Pineville, Mo. was driving a Dodge pickup when he changed lanes in front Roger D. Wilson, 47, of Muldrow, Okla., and was struck in the rear by Wilson’s Chevrolet pickup. Robins then crossed the center of the roadway and struck the van, causing it run off the right side of the road and overturn.

Robins and Wilson were not listed as being injured.