Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Joplin Under Investigation

JOPLIN, Mo. — A motorcycle operator died Saturday evening following a collision with an SUV in Joplin, prompting an investigation by local authorities.

The incident occurred around 8:15 p.m. at the intersection of West 7th Street and Adele Avenue, according to Joplin Police Public Information Officer Austin Wolf.

Emergency responders, including Joplin Fire and Metro Emergency Transport System (METS) ambulance, arrived on the scene where they found a westbound motorcycle that had collided with an eastbound vehicle turning north onto Adele Avenue.

“The motorcycle operator was receiving life-saving measures when we arrived,” said Sgt. Mac Roach, adding that the victim was quickly transported to an area hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities have not yet released the name of the motorcycle operator pending notification of next of kin. The driver of the SUV was also transported to a local hospital but is reported to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Sgt. Roach noted that the Joplin Police Department Major Crash Team responded to the scene for a thorough investigation. Sgt. Jared Delzell and his team worked diligently to map and mark the crash site for analysis.

As details surrounding the collision unfold, updates will be provided by authorities and posted on KOAM News Now.

In a separate incident about an hour prior, another motorcycle accident occurred in Newton County, where a 55-year-old man was seriously injured while riding a 2004 Harley Davidson Road King. That crash was reported around 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Hwy NN and Goldfinch Road, with emergency services arriving to assist.

Both accidents highlight the ongoing concerns regarding motorcycle safety, especially during peak riding seasons.