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Laura McLinn-West Dies After Motorcycle Crash While Avoiding Deer in Camden County, Rider Dave West Injured

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Laura McLinn-West Dies After Motorcycle Crash While Avoiding Deer in Camden County, Rider Dave West Injured Route A Rainwater Drive

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.

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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.

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The investigation remains ongoing as troopers work to determine the complete sequence of events leading up to the deadly collision.


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Jasmine Henson and her four children died following a devastating residential fire near Canton in Van Zandt County, Texas

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Jasmine Henson and her four children died following a devastating residential fire near Canton in Van Zandt County, Texas County Road 4127 and County Road 4128

CANTON, Texas — Jasmine Henson and her four children have reportedly died following a devastating residential fire near Canton in Van Zandt County, Texas.

The children were trapped inside the burning home early Wednesday morning, October 21, 2026, and a fourth child who was rescued alive later died at a hospital, according to Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer.

Henson was also hospitalized after the fire and reportedly later died.

The tragedy has devastated the family and shaken the surrounding community, with neighbors, school officials and local residents mourning the loss of the children and expressing support for surviving relatives.

According to the Van Zandt County Fire Marshal’s Office, multiple fire departments responded at approximately 12:30 a.m. Wednesday to a reported structure fire near County Road 4127 and County Road 4128.

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Three occupants reportedly managed to escape the burning structure, but four children remained trapped inside.

The fire was so intense that firefighters reportedly had to breach an exterior wall to enter the home. Once inside, crews found the children, but three had already died from their injuries.

The children were described as a 3-year-old girl, a 5-year-old boy and an 8-year-old boy.

A fourth child, a 10-year-old boy, was found alive and airlifted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas for emergency treatment. Despite medical efforts, the child later died, Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer confirmed, bringing the number of child fatalities to four.

The children’s mother, Jasmine Henson, was also transported by medical helicopter to Parkland Hospital after the fire.

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According to the supplied account, a family member said Henson suffered extensive burns and was placed on life support. The later update states that she subsequently died, although an official confirmation of her death and the timing of that update should be verified before publication.

The initial reports also indicated that two other occupants were taken to a hospital as a precaution. Their identities and current medical conditions have not been fully detailed in the information provided.

The reported deaths of Henson and all four children have turned the incident into an especially devastating loss for the family and the Canton community.

The Van Zandt County Peace Officer’s Association reportedly identified the family as the Hensons. The children’s grandfather reportedly serves with the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.

Neighbors described being awakened by screams and the smell of smoke as the fire unfolded. One neighbor, speaking to CBS19, recalled seeing the children riding their bicycles outside regularly and described them as sweet, well-liked youngsters who had become familiar faces in the neighborhood.

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Those memories have added to the heartbreak felt by residents as they come to terms with the loss of four young children and their mother.

Canton Independent School District issued a statement expressing profound sadness over the deaths of students connected to Canton Elementary and Canton Intermediate Schools.

The district extended its condolences to the Henson family, friends, classmates, teachers and everyone affected by the tragedy.

Canton ISD also announced that counselors and support staff would be available on campus in the coming days to help students and employees cope with the loss.

School officials emphasized the importance of compassion, kindness and community support during the difficult period.

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A prayer vigil was reportedly held Wednesday at the Van Zandt County Courthouse in Canton, allowing community members to gather, pray and remember those affected by the fire.

The cause of the blaze has not been publicly released. The Van Zandt County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the incident, and officials may provide additional details as the investigation continues.

As the community mourns, attention remains focused on the surviving occupants, the grieving family and the firefighters who entered the burning structure in an effort to save the children.

The deaths of Jasmine Henson and her four children represent an unimaginable loss. Residents are being encouraged to support those affected and keep the family, survivors and first responders in their thoughts as investigators work to determine what caused the fire.


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