Merle E. Wright Obituary, Death – A tragic crash in Franklin County claimed the life of a Wildwood resident early Tuesday morning, according to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Authorities confirmed that 77-year-old Merle E. Wright of Wildwood was killed when his pickup truck veered off Highway 100 in Villa Ridge and overturned.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:05 a.m. near Whispering Hope Drive. Investigators said Wright had been traveling eastbound in a 2020 Dodge Ram 3500 when, for reasons not yet determined, the vehicle left the roadway. The truck struck a guardrail before overturning. During the crash, Wright was ejected from the vehicle. Officials noted that he had not been wearing a seat belt at the time, a factor that may have contributed to the fatal outcome.
Emergency responders from Meramec Ambulance were quickly dispatched to the scene. Despite their efforts, Wright was pronounced dead shortly after the crash. His body was later transferred to the St. Louis County morgue for further examination.
The report indicated that the Dodge Ram sustained severe damage as a result of the collision and overturn. The crash highlights the devastating consequences that can occur in late-night accidents, especially when seat belts are not used.
While the Missouri State Highway Patrol typically does not release the identities of individuals involved in vehicle accidents, the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Wright as the victim. Authorities have not released further details on what may have caused Wright to lose control of his vehicle, but an investigation remains ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The wreck has left many in the Wildwood and Villa Ridge communities shaken, as fatal crashes involving elderly drivers are often a painful reminder of the risks present on roadways, even in rural or less congested areas. Safety officials continue to emphasize the importance of wearing seat belts, which remain one of the most effective protections in rollover crashes such as this one.
Highway 100 in the Villa Ridge area has been the site of multiple collisions in recent years, prompting calls for drivers to exercise caution, particularly at night when visibility is reduced. Local authorities stress that maintaining alertness and wearing seat belts are critical steps that can save lives in the event of unexpected accidents.
As Wright’s family and community members process the sudden loss, the Missouri State Highway Patrol will continue to investigate to determine whether speed, distraction, mechanical failure, or other factors played a role in the crash. For now, the incident stands as a sobering reminder of both the unpredictability of roadway incidents and the lifesaving value of simple safety measures.
In total, the accident not only resulted in the loss of a longtime Wildwood resident but also caused extensive damage to the vehicle involved, underscoring the severity of the crash. Wright’s death marks yet another fatality on Missouri highways this year, contributing to an ongoing concern about roadway safety across the state.
