Girl injured in Jan. 2 crash transferred; father still critical

Ashley Gates, the 11-year-old girl injured Jan. 2 in a Scott County accident that took the life of her sister and aunt, was transferred to St. Louis Children's Hospital on Wednesday for treatment.

Ashley's father, 51-year-old James Gates, remains in the hospital's critical care unit.

The accident killed Ashley's aunt, 41-year-old Evelyn Orman, and sister, Brittany Gates, 12. It occurred when Orman was making a left turn onto Scott County Road 452. The car was struck by a car driven by sheriff's Sgt. Steve Shoemaker who was responding to an emergency call.

Shoemaker returned to work Jan. 3. The Missouri State Highway Patrol's major crash investigation team, based in Jackson, Mo., is investigating the accident.

Patrol Sgt. Mitch Heath said no additional witnesses have come forth since the time of the accident and he will move forward with the report when he is able to take statements from Ashley and James Gates.

A joint funeral for Orman and Brittany Gates was held Jan. 5 in Sikeston, Mo.