CHEROKSE COUNTY — Two people lost their lives Thursday evening in a single-vehicle crash just north of Galena, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The accident occurred shortly before 6:00 p.m. on SE 110th Street, just north of SE Turkey Creek Road. Investigators report that a northbound 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis, driven by 19-year-old Cameron G. Witham of Webb City, struck the right side of the Spring River Bridge.
Following the impact, the vehicle entered a skid, veered off the left side of the roadway, and collided with a tree.
Both the driver and a passenger, 18-year-old Audrey N. Witham of Joplin, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, both occupants were properly restrained at the time of the crash.
The victims were subsequently transported to Derfelt Funeral Home in Galena.
