Fatal Vehicle Crash At Grindstone Parkway And Rock Quarry

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Fatal Vehicle Crash at Grindstone Pkwy and Rock Quarry

Date: 11/17/13

Time: 1410 hours

Location: Grindstone Pkwy @ Rock Quarry

CAD incident 2013221112

Driver:            Gabriel Jay Watkins             Age: 27                      

                        4600 N Roemer Rd               Seatbelt: No

                        Columbia, MO 65203          Air Bag: Yes

                                                                        Injuries:  Fatal

                                                                        Occupants: None

                       

           

Vehicle 1, a 2002 Toyota Camry driven by Gabriel J. Watkins, was traveling eastbound on Grindstone Pkwy approaching Rock Quarry Rd. The vehicle left the roadway for an unknown reason and struck the raised concrete curb approximately 200 feet prior to the intersection. The vehicle strattled the curb for a short distance before continuing in an eastern direction on the grass shoulder. Evidence shows the vehicle returning to the roadway at the Rock Quarry southbound turn lane curve. The vehicle appears to have then tripped on the raised concrete triangle median in the intersection, causing it to become airborne for a short period of time before eventually colliding with an electronic signal pole and large concrete base. The vehicle sustained significant damage to the front end as a result. The Columbia Fire Dept. extricated Mr. Watkins from the vehicle, as he was pinned by the steering column. Mr. Watkins was transported from the scene by EMS to University Hospital for life threatening injuries, where he was pronounced deceased at 1502 hours. The family of Mr. Watkins has been notified.

Mr. Watkins was not restrained by a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Both the driver and passenger side airbags did deploy. It is unknown what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway at this time. The investigation is on going.