Driver of box truck charged with manslaughter
Photo courtesy of Texas County Sheriff’s Dept.
William R. White
A charge of first degree involuntary manslaughter has been filed against the driver of a box truck which struck another vehicle in the rear on Monday, June 16, killing a Bucyrus man.
William Roy White III, age 41, of St. Louis, Mo., was arrested at Texas County Memorial Hospital and was taken to the Texas County Jail on a 24-hour hold pending filing of charges; he was reported to have minor injuries in the accident.
Lonnie Lee Huff, age 80, of Bucyrus, and Patricia Rosen, age 79, also of Bucyrus, were southbound on Highway 17 about five miles north of Houston when they stopped at a construction zone. White was driving a 2021 International box truck and failed to stop, striking them in the rear. Huff received fatal injuries, and Rosen received serious injuries. Huff was pronounced deceased at the scene, and Rosen was transported by Air Ambulance to Cox South hospital in Springfield.
Multiple charges have been filed against White, including DWI resulting in death, first degree involuntary manslaughter, DWI resulting in serious injury, second degree assault and armed criminal action. The probable cause statement indicates that White was believed to be under the influence of alcohol and marijuana at the time of the accident.
The above information is just mere accusations and is not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of any charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
