Cape Girardeau Red Cross blood services office closed Thursday in wake of fatal accident

The American Red Cross blood services office in Cape Girardeau was closed Thursday while associates dealt with the death of a co-worker.

On Wednesday afternoon Jonathon L. Chamberlain, 28, of Cape Girardeau was killed in an accident on Highway 3 near McClure, Ill. A passenger in an American Red Cross vehicle, Chamberlain was riding in the truck driven by Brandon S. Hinkle, 25, of Cape Girardeau.

Laurie Nehring, a spokeswoman for the American Red Cross, said that counselors have been meeting with employees. Nehring said that while the American Red Cross workers assist with disasters each year, nothing can prepare them for the death of a co-worker.

"As you can imagine, they're devastated," Nehring said. "Something that's ringing true with all of us is we are the American Red Cross and we prepare for disaster every day.

"Still, we just can't be adequately prepared for the loss of our own," she said. "It's sobering."

According to Illinois State Police, the American Red Cross vehicle was traveling southbound on Highway 3 at 3:18 p.m. Wednesday when it crossed the center line. The vehicle then struck a semitrailer traveling northbound on the roadway that was driven by Vernon J. Chotrow, 34, of Perryville, Mo.

Hinkle and Chotrow were transported to Saint Francis Medical Center, where they were treated for minor injuries and released. Hinkle was issued a citation for improper lane usage.

Nehring released a joint statement from Chamberlain's co-workers at the American Red Cross.

"He loved working at the Red Cross and believed in what he was doing, that what he did actually helped people," the statement said. "He was fun to work with, and a great friend and teammate with his fellow co-workers. Everyone enjoyed working with him as much as he enjoyed working with them. He is already greatly missed by those who knew and respected him."

Funeral services for Chamberlain are 2 p.m. Saturday at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid, Mo. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent address:

2430 Myra Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO