Columbia Police confirm one dead after wrong-way crash

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Police confirmed Saturday that one person died in a wrong-way crash Friday evening.

The wrong-way driver, 84-year-old Allen D. Nichols of Ashland, died at the scene of the crash, Columbia Police confirmed Saturday afternoon.

Around 5 p.m. Friday, Boone County Joint Communications was made aware of a car driving the wrong way in the southbound lanes of highway 63, according to a news release from Columbia Police. Police, Boone County Sheriff's deputies and Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers attempted to stop the car before it crashed.

Nichols crashed head-on into 56-year-old Robert J. Heckman at 5:11 p.m., according to Police. Heckman was treated by EMS on scene and then taken to a local hospital. Neither driver was wearing a seatbelt, according to police.

The southbound lanes of Highway 63 in Columbia to close on Friday afternoon near the Interstate 70 connector. All lanes were reopened by 7 p.m. Friday.

Columbia Fire Department spokeswoman Katherine Rodriguez told ABC 17 News Friday that two vehicles were involved in the crash and person was brought to an area hospital by ambulance.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.

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