Two pedestrians killed in accident on East Chestnut Expressway

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 30, 2020, at 04:12 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the 200 block of East Chestnut Expressway regarding a motor vehicle crash between a passenger car and a pedestrian.

The initial investigation indicated a 2014 Hyundai Sonata; driven by 49-year-old Jeremy Behrends of Springfield; was traveling eastbound on Chestnut Expressway when it struck 48-year-old Richard D. Gardner and 52-year-old Scarlet R. Turner in the outside lane of eastbound Chestnut Expressway.

The male and female were pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been notified. There is no evidence of impairment regarding this crash.

Through evidence at the scene and witness statements, officers determined Gardner was struck by a white, full-sized Ford pickup truck. When Turner attempted to assist Gardner, they were then both struck by the Hyundai. The pickup in question is missing an outside passenger side mirror and possibly has over-sized tires. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or Greater Springfield Area Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This is the 11th fatality crash and 13th traffic fatality in Springfield during 2020.