Stoddard County man killed when hit by unoccupied vehicle

DEXTER, Mo. -- An 82-year-old Bloomfield, Mo., man lost his life Thursday morning when he tried to stop an unoccupied vehicle from rolling backward.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Audie Maze was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident occurred at 13073 Highway 25 North, just outside the Dexter city limits on the west side of Highway 25.

A parked half-ton 1989 GMC pickup truck reportedly was unoccupied when it began to roll backward. Maze was struck by the vehicle as he was attempting to gain entry.

The vehicle struck Maze and then another vehicle, pinning Maze between both. He reportedly was unresponsive after being freed. It was unclear initially if the pickup truck belonged to Maze, and it was not known if the vehicle had been left with its engine running.

Maze was pronounced dead at the scene by Stoddard County Coroner Aaron Mathis at about 9:30 a.m.

Pertinent address:

Dexter, Mo.