Stoddard County man charged with involuntary manslaughter after weekend crash

BERNIE, Mo. -- One man is dead and another is charged with involuntary manslaughter following a two-vehicle accident Sunday on Route Z, seven miles east of Bernie.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Ronald F. Carver, 41, of Bernie was westbound at 5:30 p.m. Sunday on a 1985 Honda motorcycle when he struck the rear of a westbound all terrain vehicle, which had slowed in the roadway to make a turn.

Carver and a passenger, Dalton M. Norman, 7, were ejected from the vehicle.

Carver was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:13 p.m. by Dr. Paul Salmon.

The driver of the ATV, Michael D. Norman, 41, of Dexter was arrested at 6:31 p.m. Sunday on suspicion of felony involuntary manslaughter, felony second-degree assault and operating an ATV on the highway.

Norman's son, Dalton, a passenger on the motorcycle, was taken by ambulance to Saint Francis Hospital with moderate injuries.

According to troopers, Norman was found to be intoxicated.

Norman was booked at Stoddard County Jail and remained in custody Tuesday morning under $150,000 cash-only bond, according to officials.