Doolittle Motorcyclist Killed in Crash Near I-44

Troopers say speed and wrong-lane turn were factors in the fatal collision.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:52pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged motorcycle part, such as a broken mirror or cracked taillight, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty aftermath of a fatal crash.The aftermath of a fatal motorcycle crash on a rural Missouri highway exposes the vulnerability of riders on the open road.Rolla Today

A 25-year-old man from Doolittle, Missouri died on Thursday afternoon when his motorcycle crashed into an SUV on Highway D near the town of Jerome. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the motorcyclist was traveling too fast into a curve and entered the wrong lane before colliding with the SUV. The SUV driver was uninjured.

Why it matters

Motorcycle crashes, especially on rural roads and highways, continue to be a major traffic safety concern, as motorcyclists are far more vulnerable than passenger vehicle occupants. This incident highlights the need for increased awareness and safety measures to protect motorcycle riders.

The details

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that the 25-year-old motorcyclist from Doolittle was traveling on Highway D near Jerome when he took a curve too fast and crossed into the opposite lane, colliding with an SUV. The SUV driver was not injured, but the motorcyclist was killed in the crash. Troopers are still investigating the incident.

  • The crash occurred around 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2026.
  • This marks the fourth traffic fatality so far in 2026 for Troop I of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The players

Missouri State Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency investigating the fatal motorcycle crash on Highway D near Jerome.

Troop I

The Missouri State Highway Patrol division based in Rolla that covers six counties in south-central Missouri, including the area where the crash occurred.

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What’s next

Troopers are continuing to investigate the crash and will release more details through the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Troop I office.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the dangers motorcyclists face on rural roads and highways, where speed, curves, and lane control can quickly lead to fatal crashes. It serves as a reminder of the need for all drivers to be vigilant and share the road safely with vulnerable road users.