Local News
Laura McLinn-West Dies After Motorcycle Crash While Avoiding Deer in Camden County, Rider Dave West Injured
CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. — A Laquey woman has died after a motorcycle crash that occurred while the rider attempted to avoid a deer on a rural roadway east of Camdenton, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The victim has been identified as Laura McLinn-West, 48, of Laquey, who later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), the crash occurred Sunday night on Route A, approximately 1,003 feet east of Rainwater Drive in Camden County.
A preliminary investigation determined that a 2010 Harley-Davidson Ultra Glide was traveling eastbound when a deer entered the motorcycle’s path.
Investigators said the rider attempted to avoid the animal, causing the motorcycle to crash. Both the operator and passenger were thrown from the motorcycle during the incident.
Laura West, who was riding as the passenger, suffered critical injuries in the crash.
She was airlifted by medical helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia, where she later succumbed to her injuries on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
The motorcycle’s driver Dave West, who is also from Laquey, sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital for treatment.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. No additional details have been released regarding contributing factors beyond the deer entering the roadway.
Authorities noted that the crash marks Troop F’s 35th traffic fatality of 2026.
The investigation remains ongoing as troopers work to determine the complete sequence of events leading up to the deadly collision.
A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken Tennessee after a married couple, 46-year-old Brian Elmore and 43-year-old Brandi Elmore, tragically lost their lives in a devastating wrong-way collision on Interstate 40 in Knoxville.
The fatal crash occurred early Sunday morning, November 1, near Sutherland Avenue, turning an ordinary journey into an unimaginable tragedy. Two people who shared a life, a love, and a future together were killed in the same devastating incident, leaving their family, friends, and loved ones facing an overwhelming loss.
At 46 and 43 years old, Brian and Brandi still had so many moments ahead of them. Their story was one of shared experiences, companionship, and a life built together. Now, those who loved them are left grieving the loss of two precious lives taken far too soon.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the crash involved three vehicles and began when a 22-year-old driver, identified as Paul Fisher, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 in a Toyota Corolla.
The Corolla reportedly collided head-on with a Chevrolet Equinox occupied by Brian and Brandi Elmore.
The force of the impact sent the couple’s SUV off the interstate and down an embankment, where it overturned and struck a utility pole. The collision caused devastating damage and resulted in the deaths of both occupants.
Following the initial crash, the Toyota Corolla also collided head-on with a Honda Civic traveling behind the couple’s vehicle.
The Honda Civic’s driver was fortunately not injured, while Fisher sustained injuries in the incident.
Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking details is that Brian and Brandi were both wearing their seatbelts at the time of the collision.
They were traveling together, sharing what should have been another ordinary journey. In a matter of moments, their lives were tragically cut short.
For their family, the pain is unimaginable. Losing someone you love is heartbreaking, but losing two loved ones in the same incident creates a level of grief that is difficult to put into words.
A family has been left mourning two people who were deeply loved, while friends and others who knew the couple must now face life without them.
Authorities identified the wrong-way driver as 22-year-old Paul Fisher, who now faces two counts of vehicular homicide in connection with the deaths of Brian and Brandi Elmore.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision remains ongoing.
The charges reflect the seriousness of the incident, while the legal process will determine the driver’s responsibility.
Brian and Brandi Elmore were more than two names in a tragic traffic report. They were two individuals with families, relationships, memories, and a life they shared.
They deserved more time together — more conversations, more celebrations, more adventures, and more ordinary days that become treasured memories.
Their loved ones are now left with photographs, stories, and moments that will forever remind them of the two people they lost.
No family should have to experience such a devastating tragedy. No couple should have their future taken away in an instant.
As the Knoxville community reflects on this heartbreaking loss, may Brian and Brandi be remembered for the lives they lived and the love they shared, rather than only for the tragic circumstances of their passing.
May Brian and Brandi Elmore rest together in eternal peace. May their love remain forever in the hearts of those who knew them, and may their grieving family find the strength to face the difficult days ahead. 🕊️🤍
Sending heartfelt condolences, prayers, and deepest sympathies to their family, friends, and everyone mourning this unimaginable loss.
This tragedy is also a painful reminder of how dangerous wrong-way driving can be. Please stay alert, make responsible decisions behind the wheel, and never drive impaired. One dangerous moment on the road can change countless lives forever. 💔🙏