Joplin police investigate fatal car crash on I-44

Following an incident the Joplin Police Department issued the following press release:

On Saturday, January 20th, 2024, at 5:19 pm the Joplin Police Department Emergency Communications Center received reports of a single vehicle crash on I-44 westbound near exit 1. Officers and EMS responded to the scene and located the crash.

The driver of the vehicle was transported by EMS to a local hospital but was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter. The driver has been identified as Jimmy Bradshaw, age 63 of Coffeyville, Kansas. Next of kin has been notified. A passenger in the vehicle was not injured. Members of the Joplin Police Department Major Crash Team responded to conduct the investigation.

Preliminary information indicates the vehicle went off the roadway near the exit 1 on I-44 westbound, struck a highway sign and then overturned. Officers have preliminary indications that a medical event may be part of the probable contributing circumstances for this crash.

This investigation is still ongoing and further details may be released as information becomes available.