Gasconade County Republican - MSHP Corporal killed on duty Christmas morning

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MSHP Corporal killed on duty Christmas morning

MSHP Corporal killed on duty Christmas morning

Written by Dave Marner

Sunday, 27 December 2009

An apparent weather-related incident Christmas morning claimed the life of a Missouri State Highway Patrol corporal near Eureka.

According to the MSHP, at 10:43 a.m. Dec 25, Cpl. Dennis E. Engelhard, 49, was completing an accident investigation on westbound Interstate 44 east of Eureka, Mo. While waiting for a tow truck to arrive, Engelhard, a 10-year patrol veteran, was struck by an SUV while standing behind his patrol vehicle. Engelhard was transported to the St. Clare Health Center in Fenton by Eureka ambulance with serious injuries. Engelhard was pronounced dead at 11:20 a.m. from the injuries he sustained as a result of the crash, the patrol reported.

"The Missouri State Highway Patrol is saddened by the loss of one our troopers today," said Col. James F. Keathley, MSHP superintendent. "We have lost one of our own in a Christmas day traffic crash, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Dennis' family. As we make our way through this holiday season we should all keep Dennis' family in our thoughts and remember that traffic crashes can affect everyone's lives. So please drive with care and urge your loved ones to do the same."

According to an accident reconstruction completed by the MSHP's Major Crash Investigative Unit No. 2, had parked his 2008 Ford Crown Victoria cruiser in the third lane and was completing a report from an earlier non-injury crash, nine-tenths of a mile east of Highway 109.

Donald C. Dornbach, 58, of St. Louis, was westbound in the second lane in a 2003 Chevrolet Tracker and lost control on the ice-covered roadway and spun clockwise. The front, left side of his vehicle struck Engelhard. The left rear of Dornbach's car struck the rear of Engelhard's cruiser. Engelhard was thrown into the left rear end of his car.

Engelhard's lights were activated at the time of the crash, the patrol noted.

Dornbach was not injured.

The MSHP crash team was assisted by police from St. Louis County and Eureka.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Corporal Dennis Engelhard," said Gov. Jay Nixon in a release issued early Friday evening. "Today, our state has lost one of its most dedicated law-enforcement officers, and Corporal Engelhard’s family has lost a beloved son and brother. Our Highway Patrol troopers put their lives on the line each and every day to protect our families and keep our communities safe. Corporal Engelhard served the people of Missouri honorably, and he made the ultimate sacrifice in fulfilling his duty. I ask all Missourians to join me in remembering Corporal Engelhard and his family in their prayers throughout this holiday season.”

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