Nevaeh Ladiamond Debose, Dustin Colbert Obituary, Death: Off-duty deputy and daughters among four killed in highway crash.
Nevaeh Ladiamond Debose, Dustin Colbert Obituary, Death – A devastating two-vehicle crash in southeast Missouri on Tuesday claimed the lives of four individuals, including a 17-year-old high school student, an off-duty deputy, and his two young daughters.
The accident occurred around 4:35 p.m. on Highway U, between Lilbourn and New Madrid, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. All four victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The 17-year-old, identified as Nevaeh Ladiamond Debose, was an 11th-grade student in the New Madrid County R-1 School District. She was from Lilbourn. The school district confirmed her death in a social media statement and also noted that a preschool student from their district, one of the deputy’s daughters, was another victim in the crash.
The off-duty deputy was identified as 41-year-old Dustin Colbert, also from Lilbourn. Sheriff Ronnie Adams of New Madrid County confirmed that Colbert was driving a personal vehicle at the time of the crash. His two daughters, aged 4 and 1, were also in the car with him and tragically lost their lives.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s traffic report, Colbert’s vehicle lost control and crossed the centerline, colliding with the second car, driven by Nevaeh. The impact was fatal for all occupants of both vehicles.
New Madrid County Sheriff Ronnie Adams expressed his grief, saying, “Keep us in your prayers.” He noted the profound loss felt by the community and the law enforcement family.
New Madrid Mayor Nick White also shared his condolences in an online statement, describing the tragedy as heartbreaking. “To say my heart is broken for the families tonight is an understatement,” he wrote.
Law enforcement agencies across the state have joined in mourning, with many sharing tributes to Deputy Colbert, including messages of “Rest in peace 367,” referencing his badge number.
The New Madrid County R-1 School District is providing support to students and staff affected by the loss of two of its young members. The crash has left the small community of Lilbourn in mourning as they grapple with the sudden and tragic loss of lives.
Investigators are still reviewing the circumstances surrounding the accident. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of the road and has brought together the community in grief and solidarity.
