Local News
Mike Elbert, Rachel Elbert and their 10-year-old daughter killed in head-on Franklin County crash
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. — A tragic two-vehicle crash in Franklin County on Monday night claimed the lives of three individuals, including a 10-year-old child, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP).
The collision occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. along Missouri Route 100, east of Dundee Road.
Preliminary findings from MSHP indicate that a 2011 Nissan Sentra, traveling eastbound, crossed over the center line for reasons that remain under investigation and collided head-on with a westbound 2020 Ford Explorer.
Following the impact, the Ford Explorer was forced off the right side of the roadway and came to rest in a nearby ditch.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and began lifesaving efforts.
Authorities confirmed that three occupants of the Nissan—all from Hermann, Missouri—were involved in the crash.
They have been identified as 47-year-old Mike Elbert, 42-year-old Rachel Elbert, and their 10-year-old daughter.
Both adults were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The child was transported to St. Louis Children’s Hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to her injuries.
The driver of the Ford Explorer, a 70-year-old woman from New Haven, Missouri, sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.
The loss has had a profound impact on the local community.
The 10-year-old victim was a student at Hermann Elementary School, while Mike Elbert served as a volunteer assistant football coach at Hermann High School.
In response to the tragedy, the Gasconade County R-1 School District deployed additional counseling services to support students, staff, and families.
“It is definitely a sad day for that family—a sad day for our school district,” Superintendent Dr. Geoff Neill said in a statement.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
ORTING, Washington — Emergency crews responded to an aircraft incident on Saturday, November 7, 2026, after a helicopter crashed near a local business in Pierce County.
First responders were dispatched to the 13900 block of McCutcheon Road East, specifically at 13921 McCutcheon Road East near Snowshoe Evergreen Inc., following reports of the downing.
Upon arrival, emergency personnel located one patient who had successfully exited the aircraft. Officials identified the individual as a 54-year-old male who was reported to be awake and breathing at the scene.
Local authorities issued a public advisory asking residents and motorists to avoid the immediate area to allow emergency crews room to operate safely.
This news report is based on preliminary dispatch information, and officials note that further details regarding the cause of the crash remain subject to change as the investigation continues.