West Plains, MO. – A Mansfield man was fatally injured and another is in police custody following an early morning two-vehicle crash on April 1, 2023. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol report, the incident occurred at 12:45 a.m. on Business Route 60, south of US 60 in Mansfield.
A 2007 GMC Sierra driven by Kody Skaggs, age 21 of Mansfield was southbound on Bus. 60 when it crossed the center of the road, running off the left side and striking a parked 2020 Ford F150 driven by Michael Bryson, age 39 of Hartville.
Bryson’s passenger, Justin Sanders, age 31 of Mansfield, was fatally injured in the crash. Bryson suffered serious injuries and was taken by Mercy EMS to Cox South in Springfield and Skaggs had minor injuries.
Kody Skaggs was charged with Felony Driving While Intoxicated – Death of Another Person, Felony First Degree Assault, careless and imprudent driving, and no seat belt.
Crews attending this accident were: Wright County Sheriff’s Office, Mansfield Police Department, Mountain Grove Police Department, and Trooper J.L. Dedmon of Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop G.
This marks Troop G’s sixth fatality for 2023 compared to six at the same time last year.