JOPLIN, Mo. — Just before 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, an adult male pedestrian was fatally struck while crossing Range Line Road.
The victim, identified as Jolly Matthews III, 86, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was attempting to cross the roadway near 32nd Street when he was hit by a northbound dune buggy-style vehicle, according to Joplin Police. Authorities confirmed that Matthews was struck by multiple vehicles while crossing.
The incident is under investigation by the Joplin Police Department’s Major Crash Team. The vehicle involved is street legal and properly registered. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Sergeant Jared Delzell at 417-623-3131.
The Joplin Police remind pedestrians to use marked intersections or crosswalks when crossing busy roadways to enhance safety.
Private services for Matthews will be held on July 10, 2026, details provided by Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home.