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NewsJune 11, 1999

Three fatalities in three separate accidents in the Bootheel were reported by the state Highway Patrol this week. On Monday at 6:15 p.m. James Baker of Marion, Ill., was eastbound on U.S. 60 approximately 10 miles west of Poplar Bluff, Mo., when his car crossed the center line, according to the Highway Patrol. Baker, 41, hit John Randazzo, 36, of Grandin, Mo., who was driving west...

Three fatalities in three separate accidents in the Bootheel were reported by the state Highway Patrol this week.

On Monday at 6:15 p.m. James Baker of Marion, Ill., was eastbound on U.S. 60 approximately 10 miles west of Poplar Bluff, Mo., when his car crossed the center line, according to the Highway Patrol. Baker, 41, hit John Randazzo, 36, of Grandin, Mo., who was driving west.

After hitting Randazzo's car, Baker ran off the road, overturning before he reached a ditch. Baker's car landed on top of a car driven by Philip Watson, 26, of Elsinore, Mo. Watson, who was driving west, had pulled into the ditch attempting to avoid the accident.

Randazzo was reported dead at the scene, reported the Highway Patrol. Baker and Watson both received minor injuries and were taken to area hospitals.

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The Highway Patrol did not report any charges against the drivers involved.

Another accident occurred Tuesday at 10 a.m. when Mary Grambling, 30, of Jonesboro, Ark., was driving east on U.S. 412. Approximately one mile east of Cardwell, Grambling attempted to cross the highway when she was struck by a tractor-trailer driven by Johnny Ball, 63, of Summit, Miss. Grambling was killed instantly, the Highway Patrol reported.

A third fatal accident took place at 10:15 p.m. on Wednesday in Madison County. Toby Leimkuehler, 17, of Arnold, Mo., was driving south on U.S. 67 about 17 miles south of Fredricktown when his car went off the right side of the road. The car hit an embankment, partially ejecting the driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, the Highway Patrol reported. Leimkuehler was pronounced dead at the scene, it was reported.

Leimkuehler's passenger, Matthew Ponder, 18, of Arnold, received minor injuries and was treated at an area hospital.

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