Hailey
A 26-year-old pedestrian, identified as Stacy M. Youngers, died after being struck by a Cottleville Fire Protection District staff vehicle in St. Charles County, Missouri, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, shortly after 6:10 p.m.
The crash happened on Dingledine Road near Stonecroft Drive/Cambridge Crossing Road. Authorities confirmed the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.
The vehicle involved was a staff vehicle—not a fire truck—and the employee was not responding to an emergency call at the time.
The St. Charles County Police Department is leading the investigation.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | June 14, 2025, ~6:10 p.m. |
| Location | Dingledine Rd near Stonecroft Dr/Cambridge Crossing Rd, St. Charles County, MO |
| Victim | Stacy M. Youngers, 26 |
| Agency Vehicle | Cottleville Fire Protection District staff vehicle (not a fire apparatus) |
| Driver Status | Remained on scene; cooperating with police |
| Medical Outcome | Victim pronounced deceased at the scene |
| Call Status | Driver not en route to an active emergency |
| Lead Agency | St. Charles County Police Department |
| Community Response | Roadside memorial formed near the crash site |
| Current Status | Investigation ongoing |
Detailed Timeline
- ~6:10 p.m. (June 14): Reports of a pedestrian struck in the 1000 block of Dingledine Road.
- Moments later: First responders arrive and pronounce the victim deceased.
- At the scene: The driver stays and speaks with investigators.
- Following hours: The fire district issues condolences and pledges full cooperation.
- Days after: A memorial with flowers and notes appears near Dingledine & Stonecroft.
Investigation- What Authorities Are Looking At
Investigators typically examine several factors in fatal pedestrian crashes involving public-safety vehicles:
- Vehicle type and use: This was a staff vehicle, not an apparatus, and the driver wasn’t responding to a call—important for policy and training reviews.
- Driver condition and conduct: Standard post-crash protocols include interviews, on-scene assessments, and a review of duty status.
- Roadway conditions: Lighting, signage, traffic flow, and pedestrian visibility along Dingledine Road at evening hours are key to reconstruction.
- Speed and data sources: Investigators analyze speed, braking distance, possible vehicle telemetry, and any nearby cameras or doorbell footage.
- Witness accounts: Statements from bystanders and neighbors help triangulate the sequence of events.
At the time of writing, no charges have been announced. Officials say the case remains open pending a full reconstruction and internal policy review.
Community Impact and Safety Considerations
The incident has sparked discussion about pedestrian safety on collector roads like Dingledine Rd, where residential access, driveway turns, and evening traffic intersect.
Residents have raised concerns about crossing points, street lighting, and driver awareness during low-sun periods.
The fire district has emphasized its commitment to public safety, cooperation with police, and support for all involved.
What Drivers and Pedestrians Can Do Now
- Drivers: Reduce speed on residential connectors, scan for pedestrians at mid-block, and minimize in-vehicle distractions.
- Pedestrians: Use well-lit areas, increase visibility (reflective clothing at dusk), and avoid lingering in travel lanes.
- Neighborhoods: Advocate for traffic-calming, crosswalk enhancements, and targeted enforcement during high-risk hours.
The death of Stacy M. Youngers, 26, on June 14, 2025, is a profound loss for St. Charles County and a solemn reminder of the stakes on our roads.
Confirmed details show a staff vehicle was involved, the driver stayed, and police are conducting a comprehensive investigation.
As the community grieves, the priority remains clarity, accountability, and prevention—ensuring streets like Dingledine Road are safer for everyone moving forward.