Wrong-way accident claims two lives, injures three

A tragic head-on collision in Hollister has claimed the lives of two area residents.

The accident occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on Saturday evening, when a Chevrolet HHR, driven by a 69-year-old female from Branson, was traveling northbound in the southbound passing lane of US Highway 65. The vehicle collided head-on with a southbound 2022 Ford Explorer, driven by Colten Henderson, 34, of Hollister. The wrong-way accident occurred on a divided highway near the M. Graham Clark Airport.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the driver of the Chevrolet HHR was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name has not been released. Henderson and his 35-year-old wife Haley Henderson, suffered serious injuries. The couple's two children, ages 10 and 11, received minor injuries. All four were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Springfield.  

Haley Henderson later passed away from injuries sustained during the accident. Colten Henderson and his two children have since been released from the hospital and are recovering at home.

Colten Henderson is a Missouri State Highway Patrol Officer with Troop D, headquartered in Springfield. 

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family of Haley Henderson. To contribute, search "Love for Haley's Family After the Accident" on GoFundMe.com. Donations may also be made via check, mailed to the Missouri State Trooper's Association, 1729 E. Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Please note "Henderson Family" in the memo line.

State of the Ozarks Festival will donate all of their sponsorship money to the Henderson family.

Joshua Heston states, “We assembled sponsorship series for the festival with 100% of the proceeds going to the Henderson family to recognize local law enforcement. We are saddened by the loss of Haley Henderson. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.” Heston continues, “We are already getting commitments. And several have stepped up to cover artist costs, so that sponsorships will completely go to the family and artists will still be paid. We hope to raise as much money as possible for the family.”