An Emporia teenager was killed and four family members were hurt in a crash in southwest Missouri on Wednesday.
The Missouri Highway Patrol says 41-year-old Carlos Garate of Emporia was driving a minivan on Missouri Highway 76 just west of Branson when the crash happened shortly after 10 am. As Garate slowed down to make a left turn, an eastbound car driven by 37-year-old Gideon Dunn of Branson rear-ended the van.
Ace Garate, 13, was taken to a Branson hospital but was pronounced dead at the facility.
Carlos Garate, along with 64-year-old Alina Garate, 64-year-old Mercedes Garate and 37-year-old Amy Garate, suffered minor injuries. Dunn was not hurt.
Ace Garate was a student at Emporia Middle School. Additional grief counselors will be at the school Thursday.
