65-year-old man identified as victim of Rangeline pedestrian accident

Joplin Police have identified the victim of a fatal pedestrian accident Saturday afternoon. Read the full press release below:

On Saturday, November 25th, 2023, at 2:10 p.m. the Joplin Police Department Emergency
Communications Center received 911 reports of a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian near 29th and Rangeline Road. Officers and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and provided aid to the pedestrian. He was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries and later succumbed to those injuries the same day.

During the initial investigation, it appears several witnesses observed the pedestrian along the east side of the road yelling at passing vehicles before stepping out in front of an oncoming vehicle. A pickup traveling
northbound was unable to stop and struck the pedestrian.

The driver of the pickup was not injured. The collision occurred in the outside lane of northbound traffic on Rangeline Road, near the front entrance of 3031 S. Rangeline Road.

The pedestrian has been identified as 65-year-old Kevin C. Ockuly, and was reported as being homeless. Next of kin has been notified. The Joplin Police Department Major Crash Team is continuing the investigation.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Joplin Police Department at 417-623- 3131.