Vanessa Knowles, Donnie Briggs Obituary, Death; Authorities ID victims in deadly Festus crash.
Vanessa Knowles, Donnie Briggs Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the names of the three people who lost their lives in a devastating multi-vehicle collision in Festus, Missouri, late last week. The Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as 63-year-old Vanessa Knowles and 66-year-old Donnie Briggs, both of Memphis, Tennessee, along with 53-year-old Darla Parris of Hillsboro, Missouri.
The fatal crash occurred south of Interstate 50 on Friday afternoon, just before 3:30 p.m., according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP). Investigators said the incident unfolded when the driver of a tractor-trailer failed to notice slowing traffic ahead on Interstate 55. The semi then slammed into the back of a Toyota Camry, which set off a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles.
In total, eight vehicles were caught up in the collision. The impact was severe, leaving several vehicles heavily damaged and the roadway littered with debris. Tragically, Knowles, Briggs, and Parris did not survive the crash. Emergency responders confirmed their deaths at the scene.
In addition to the three fatalities, five others were injured. The extent of their injuries has not been fully detailed, but officials confirmed that they were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Their identities have not yet been released pending further updates from authorities.
Traffic in the area was brought to a standstill for hours as first responders, including MSHP troopers, local police, fire crews, and emergency medical services, worked to provide aid and secure the scene. The interstate remained closed into the evening while investigators conducted a detailed examination of the crash site and tow trucks worked to remove wrecked vehicles.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s early findings point to inattentive driving as the initial cause of the crash. Troopers reported that the driver of the tractor-trailer did not respond in time to the slowed or stopped traffic ahead. The semi’s collision with the rear of the Camry triggered a chain collision that quickly drew in additional vehicles traveling in the same lanes.
Authorities have not yet said whether charges will be filed, as the investigation is still active. Crash reconstruction experts are reviewing evidence, including vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic camera footage, and witness statements, to determine the exact sequence of events.
For the families of the victims, the tragedy has been devastating. Vanessa Knowles and Donnie Briggs, both from Memphis, were reportedly traveling together at the time of the collision. Friends and family back home are mourning their sudden and unexpected loss. Meanwhile, in Hillsboro, the death of Darla Parris has left her community grieving as well.
Major crashes along Interstate 55 have long raised safety concerns due to the heavy mix of passenger vehicles and commercial trucks that use the roadway daily. Incidents like Friday’s collision serve as reminders of how quickly conditions can change on busy highways, and how a single lapse in attention can have catastrophic consequences.
Officials with MSHP have urged drivers to remain alert and cautious, particularly when traveling through congested or construction-heavy areas where traffic can slow without warning. Truck drivers and commercial vehicle operators are being reminded of the need to maintain safe following distances and remain vigilant at all times.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release more details in the coming days. Funeral arrangements for the three victims have not yet been announced, but communities in both Missouri and Tennessee are expected to honor their lives in the weeks ahead.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the families affected and ensuring that the investigation provides a clear picture of how the tragic crash unfolded.
