A celebration of life service is set for 5 pm Monday for a Moberly teacher killed in one of Thursday’s two deadly crashes on Highway 63 in northern Boone County.
The celebration of life for 39-year-old middle school teacher Ashley Apel starts at 5 at Moberly high school’s performing arts center. Ms. Apel also served as a member of Moberly’s Historic Preservation Commission. Commissioner JW Ballinger says Apel’s passion for history and dedication to preserving the rich heritage of Moberly has made a lasting impact on those who worked with her.
The Boone County Fire Protection District says a total of three motorists were killed in two separate but related crashes late Thursday afternoon on Highway 63. Firefighters say the first crash was a head-on collision near Highway 63 and 124 at about 4:30 pm. Authorities say one vehicle crossed the median and struck a southbound vehicle head-on near Pinnacles and Highway 63. Both drivers were killed in that horrific crash. Boone County Fire Protection District assistant chief Gale Blomenkamp says the second crash happened about an hour later, one mile north of the original scene.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s crash report says the 20-year-old Jeep driver was distracted and that the Jeep then rear-ended a vehicle that was stuck in traffic from the first crash. The Patrol’s crash report says the Jeep driver noticed the vehicle in front of him slowing and applied the brakes but was unable to stop in time. Apel was in the vehicle that was rear-ended.
Our news partner KMIZ reports the Moberly School District has made counseling services available for students and staff, adding that churches have offered to help with grief counseling.
