Hailey
A tragedy struck on October 3, 2025, when a vehicle unexpectedly surged into the front of a Barnes & Noble bookstore at Ladue Crossing, resulting in one death and multiple injuries.
New investigative findings now point to pedal misapplication — the driver pressed the accelerator instead of the brake.
This in-depth account captures all known facts, figures, and developments in this shocking incident.
What Happened — The Crash in Detail
At around 1:30 p.m., a car crashed through the main entrance of the Barnes & Noble at the 8000 block of Ladue Road, located in the Ladue Crossing shopping center. The store was busy with shoppers, and the sudden crash sent shockwaves through the community.
Inside, the vehicle collided with display shelves and seating, sending debris and glass across the interior.
One person died on the spot, and two others were rushed to nearby hospitals with serious injuries.
Store staff and customers scrambled to avoid harm, while the driver remained on the scene and cooperated immediately with responding officers.
In the aftermath, the bookstore entrance was immediately secured and boarded up to prevent further danger, while a memorial of flowers began building outside the storefront.
The Victim, the Injured, and the Aftermath
The person who lost her life has been identified as 74-year-old Paula Abboud, a long-time local.
Her husband, Camille Abboud, was inside the store during the crash and sustained serious injuries. The third injured person is still recovering; their identity has not been publicly disclosed.
The local community rallied in support, laying flowers and tributes outside the boarded entrance and offering condolences to the surviving family members.
The bookstore remained closed until further notice while repairs and investigations were underway.
What the New Report Says: “Hit the Gas Instead of the Brake”
Investigators later revealed that the crash likely resulted from pedal misapplication — the driver, a 53-year-old woman, inadvertently pressed the accelerator when she meant to step on the brake.
She did not suffer physical harm in the crash, though she requested a psychological evaluation at a hospital for shock and distress.
As of the most recent update, no formal criminal charges have been filed. The investigation remains open while forensic engineers reconstruct the vehicle’s path and examine mechanical systems.
The findings so far hinge largely on eyewitness accounts, vehicle damage patterns, and statements by the driver.
Chronology of Events
- October 3, ~1:30 p.m.: The car accelerates into Barnes & Noble, causing immediate casualties and damage.
- Shortly after: First responders arrive, medical care is rendered, and the driver is detained for questioning.
- Following days: The victim is identified; the store is boarded up; public grief mounts.
- October 8–9: Investigators release new details, including pedal misapplication as the presumed cause; no charges announced yet.
Key Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | October 3, 2025, about 1:30 p.m. |
| Location | Barnes & Noble, Ladue Crossing (8000 block of Ladue Road) |
| Fatality | Paula Abboud, aged 74 |
| Injuries | Two people, including Camille Abboud |
| Driver | 53-year-old woman, uninjured physically |
| Probable Cause | Pedal misapplication (accelerator pressed instead of brake) |
| Charges | None filed yet |
| Store Status | Boarded up temporarily; undergoing repair & investigation |
Understanding Pedal Misapplication Risks
Pedal misapplication is a recognized cause of low-speed crashes near parking zones, drive-thrus, and building fronts. In such cases, drivers intending to brake mistakenly depress the accelerator, leading to sudden surges.
Key reasons this happens include:
- Momentary confusion between pedals.
- Inadequate spatial awareness in tight spaces.
- Footwear (e.g. thick soles) interfering with pedal feel.
- Stress or panic in split-second decisions.
Because such crashes often occur at low speeds, witnesses may underestimate how much force the vehicle applied. Crashes like this can cause severe damage when cars confront rigid structures like walls or glass storefronts.
Legal and Investigative Considerations
Even though the driver is cooperating and no charges have been made yet, the legal outcome may depend on:
- The forensic reconstruction of the vehicle’s motion.
- Any mechanical or electrical faults in the car.
- Whether the driver had prior incidents or medical conditions contributing to confusion.
- Whether the crash could have been prevented with ordinary care.
Authorities will review video footage, vehicle black box data (if available), and expert analysis before reaching any conclusion or bringing charges.
Community Response and Safety Lessons
The crash left the Ladue community shaken. The sight of a beloved bookstore’s shattered entrance stirred grief and fear, turning a retail strip into a memorial space.
The Abboud family has received waves of support from neighbors and visitors stopping by to lay flowers.
From a safety perspective, this incident offers stark lessons:
- Always pause before disengaging park or shifting gears. A deliberate moment can prevent misapplication.
- Use protective barriers. Retail buildings with parking up front may consider bollards or planters to shield pedestrian zones.
- Pedal awareness training. Drivers, especially older ones, can benefit from drills to reinforce foot placement and decision discipline.
- Calm and methodical action. In emergencies, a fraction of a second’s pause before pressing a pedal might avert catastrophe.
The tragic Barnes & Noble crash in Ladue underscores how a brief misstep can lead to irreversible consequences.
As investigators delve deeper into vehicle telemetry, mechanical checks, and driver statements, the evidence increasingly points to inadvertent acceleration — the driver pressing the gas instead of the brake.
While the community mourns Paula Abboud and hopes for recovery of the injured, the incident sends a stark warning: even in a routine parking lot scenario, vigilance, design safeguards, and everyday care can mean the difference between normalcy and catastrophe.