Greene, MO (September 5, 2024) – A man was killed in a collision on Wednesday, September 4, on I-44, nine miles west of Springfield. Stephen Branstetter, 36, of Mount Vernon, MO, was driving a 2013 Ford Fusion westbound when he attempted to change lanes in heavy construction traffic. Branstetter’s vehicle collided with the rear of a semi-truck trailer.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by Greene County Medical Examiner Stephanie Muse at 9:35 p.m. The semi-truck driver, Cruz Rincon, 38, was unharmed and remained at the scene.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the crash and will provide further updates as the inquiry continues.