A tragic wrong-way driving crash in North County St. Louis has left one person dead and four others injured, prompting an ongoing investigation by local authorities. The collision occurred late Friday night, April 3, 2026, at approximately 10:44 p.m., along the northbound lanes of Lewis & Clark Boulevard near Highway 67.
According to St. Louis County Police, officers from the North County Precinct responded to reports of a serious motor vehicle crash and arrived to find two heavily damaged vehicles—a black Kia Forte and a silver Mercury Grand Marquis—with multiple victims at the scene. Preliminary findings indicate that the Kia Forte had been traveling southbound in the northbound lanes when it collided head-on with the Mercury, which was traveling in the correct direction.
Tragically, the driver of the Mercury Grand Marquis, identified as 23-year-old Katie Shaw, succumbed to her injuries. Her untimely death has left family, friends, and the community in mourning as they come to terms with the devastating loss.
Three passengers traveling in the Mercury were also injured in the crash. A 23-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman sustained critical injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Another passenger, a 22-year-old woman, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover. The driver of the Kia Forte, an adult female, was also transported to the hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The crash scene drew the attention of several motorists who were in the area at the time, and investigators are urging any witnesses to come forward to assist with the case. Authorities have emphasized that this remains an active investigation, and further details may be released as they become available.
As the community reflects on this heartbreaking incident, thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family of Katie Shaw and all those affected by this tragedy.