GAINESVILLE, Mo. — Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal hit-and-run incident discovered Monday morning, Oct. 26, along State Route 181 north of Gainesville.
The Ozark County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 18-year-old Zachariah Morris.
According to Sgt. Eddie Young of the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office notified authorities shortly after 5 a.m. Monday that a deceased individual had been found along the roadway.
Initial findings indicated Morris had been struck by a vehicle that left the scene.
Investigators with the MSHP Division of Drug and Crime Control and Crash Reconstruction Team were called to assist with the investigation.
Ozark County Sheriff Cass Martin confirmed that his office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Morris’ death.
According to Martin, investigators from both agencies are conducting interviews, examining evidence and pursuing leads in an effort to determine what happened.
Martin emphasized that authorities are treating the case seriously and remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation. He also asked the public for patience as investigators continue reviewing evidence and working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
No additional information regarding the vehicle or driver involved has been released.
The investigation remains active, and anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office at 417-679-4633.
