Ryan Myers was driving westbound on Cemetery Road at approximately 4:30 pm Tuesday when his vehicle went out of control just west of Norton Road, left the roadway to the south, and struck a tree head-on.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office reports that Myers was apparently killed instantly and was pronounced deceased at the scene. His passenger was reportedly ejected and was flown by medical helicopter to a St Louis trauma center after being initially transported to St. Mary’s Hospital by Odin Fire Protection District EMS.
Myers’ vehicle initially caught fire subsequent to the crash, but neither occupant suffered burn injuries. Passersby and the crew from the Sandoval ambulance were able to pull both teens from the passenger area of the vehicle before the fire spread from the engine compartment. Sandoval firefighters arrived moments later and quickly extinguished the fire just before it reached the passenger compartment.
Myers was a Senior at Odin High School. OHS Administration and Staff are assisting students through the situation using internal and outside resources.
The Day/Macz Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Sandoval Fire and Ambulance responded to the scene, along with ISP and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.