Fatal Crash on I-44 on Saturday in Laclede County

A woman from Republic was killed in a crash on Interstate 44, at the 123.8 mile marker in Laclede County, early Saturday morning. Reports from the Missouri Highway Patrol indicate that 42-year-old Crystal A. Hassett, was lying in the roadway after being ejected from a vehicle in a previous crash, when she was struck by an unknown westbound vehicle. The vehicle that struck Hassett did not stop. Hassett was pronounced dead at the scene by Laclede County Coroner Steve Murrell. The previous crash also injured three Springfield residents, 30-year-old Sarah Breshears, 20-year-old William Brashears, and a 15-year old juvenile. All three occupants were wearing seat belts, and received minor injuries. They were all transported to Cox South Hospital in Springfield for treatment. Crystal A. Hassett was the only occupant of the previous crash not wearing a seat belt. This was Troop I’s second fatality for September, and 21st of the year. Anyone with information on the vehicle that struck Hassett can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol.