Larry Thomas Huber Killed in De Soto Motorcycle Accident
The 61-year-old priest died after his bike collided with a turning SUV on Route V, MSHP reports
Larry Thomas Huber, 61, of Park Hills, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Route V near Mount Olive Road south of De Soto, Missouri, on April 9, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
A Ford Bronco Sport turned left into the path of the northbound motorcycle, investigators said.
Huber attempted to brake, causing the bike to skid and strike the side of the SUV.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to patrol officials.
Huber served as a priest at Immaculate Conception Church in Park Hills. About 300 parishioners attended a candlelight vigil Saturday night to honor his memory.
Why did the SUV turn into the motorcycle's path on Highway V?
Victims like Huber are killed in motor vehicle accidents across our country, leaving entire communities and congregations grieving a sudden loss. While the cause and liability of a crash are being investigated, legal professionals note that it is important that a competent attorney handles investigations into cases such as this.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "In motorcycle accidents such as this, investigators must carefully examine intersection sightlines, vehicle speeds, and right-of-way laws to determine exactly why a turning vehicle failed to yield to an oncoming rider."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, left-turning vehicles are a leading cause of fatal motorcycle collisions, often because drivers fail to accurately judge the speed or distance of the approaching bike.
What resources are available for the Park Hills parish community?
The sudden loss of a community leader often creates complex emotional and financial challenges for surviving family members and the estate.
National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Bond Legal, noted that "When fatal motorcycle collisions occur, surviving family members or estate representatives may be entitled to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages through a civil claim."
Missouri wrongful death framework
Under Missouri's wrongful death statute (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.080), surviving family members or the deceased's estate may pursue a civil action when a death is caused by the negligence of another party. The law establishes a strict hierarchy of who may file a claim, typically beginning with a surviving spouse, children, or parents. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning compensation can be recovered even if the deceased was partially at fault, though damages are reduced by their percentage of fault. Bond noted that "Wrongful death claims provide a vital legal mechanism for families to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the financial support necessary to manage the aftermath of a tragic loss."
Damages in these cases can include funeral and burial expenses, medical bills incurred prior to death, and the value of lost future income and companionship. Families generally have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit under the state's statute of limitations.