Rider fatally injured after sports bike hits vehicle west of Springfield

There was a fatal accident on Missouri Route 413 about two miles west of Springfield at 5:44 Friday evening.

The Missouri State Highway Patrols says a 2014 Kawasaki Ninja 300 operated by 46-year-old James W. King of Monett struck the side of a 2020 Jeep Wrangler driven by 31-year-old Kelsey J. Marler of Springfield.

Both vehicles were southbound. King was pronounced dead at Mercy Hospital in Springfield

Marler had only minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene.

It was Highway Patrol Troop D’s 13th accident so far this year in southwest Missouri.