A 21-year-old man died in a motorcycle crash in Howell County on Tuesday evening, June 23, 2026, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred at 6:15 p.m. on County Road 8240, approximately two miles east of West Plains. Authorities reported that a 2026 CFMOTO motorcycle was traveling eastbound when the driver failed to negotiate a sharp curve and veered off the roadway, striking a stump.
The victim, pronounced dead at the scene at 6:15 p.m. by the Howell County Coroner, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The motorcycle sustained extensive damage and was towed by Hughes Towing of West Plains at the family’s request.
This incident marks Troop G’s 13th traffic fatality of 2026, down from 16 fatalities during the same period in 2025. The investigation is ongoing, assisted by the Howell Rural Fire Department and additional Missouri State Highway Patrol personnel.