Marina
A 45-year-old man from Greensburg, Louisiana, identified as Richard Holden, has been taken into custody after a fatal multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 55 near Festus, Missouri, on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
The crash occurred before 3:30 p.m. south of Interstate 50 and involved eight vehicles, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP).
Authorities confirmed that Holden was driving a tractor-trailer when he became inattentive to slow-moving traffic on the interstate.
His vehicle struck the back of a Toyota Camry, triggering a devastating chain reaction that resulted in multiple collisions.
Victims Identified by Authorities
The Medical Examiner’s Office has released the names of the three victims who tragically lost their lives in the crash:
- Vanessa Knowles, 63, of Memphis, Tennessee
- Donnie Briggs, 66, of Memphis, Tennessee
- Darla Parris, 53, of Hillsboro, Missouri
In addition to the fatalities, five other individuals sustained injuries in the crash and were treated at nearby hospitals. Their conditions have not been disclosed at this time.
Charges Filed Against Louisiana Driver
Officials confirmed that Richard Holden has been booked into the Jefferson County Jail. He faces three counts of involuntary manslaughter for his role in the crash.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate whether additional charges may be filed, especially considering the severity of the accident and the number of people injured.
Key Details of the Festus Crash
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Crash | Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 |
| Time | Before 3:30 p.m. |
| Location | I-55 near Festus, south of Interstate 50 |
| Vehicles Involved | 8 |
| Suspect | Richard Holden, 45, Greensburg, Louisiana |
| Victims | Vanessa Knowles (63), Donnie Briggs (66), Darla Parris (53) |
| Injured | 5 individuals |
| Charges | 3 counts of involuntary manslaughter |
| Jail | Jefferson County Jail |
Community Impact
The accident has left the Festus community in shock as families mourn the sudden loss of loved ones. Traffic along I-55 was halted for hours while emergency responders cleared the scene and conducted investigations.
The I-55 Festus crash highlights the devastating consequences of even momentary inattention while driving. With three lives lost and five more injured, this tragedy underscores the importance of safe and alert driving, especially on high-traffic interstates.
As Richard Holden faces serious charges, the victims’ families are left grieving the sudden and heartbreaking loss.