FESTUS, Mo. – Authorities have released the names of three people killed in a devastating crash on Interstate 55 Sunday afternoon in Jefferson County.
The victims were identified as Darla P. Parris, 53, of Pevely, Missouri; Vanessa Y. Knowles, 63, of Memphis, Tennessee; and Donnie Briggs, 65, of Memphis, Tennessee.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened at approximately 3:30 p.m. on September 28 on I-55 South near Highway 61 in Festus. Investigators say an 18-wheeler, driven by 45-year-old Richard Allen Holden, was traveling around 70 mph when it plowed into slowed traffic in a construction zone. The impact sparked a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles.
Troopers reported that Holden made no attempt to slow down before the collision and later told authorities he may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
Three women were pronounced dead at the scene, while five other victims sustained injuries.
Among the victims was Vanessa Knowles, a well-known gospel singer and founding member of The Brown Singers.
Holden has been charged with three counts of second-degree involuntary manslaughter. He remains in custody at the Jefferson County Jail without bond.