Aurora man killed in Hwy. 174 collision

Driver killed when his Jeep crosses center line, into oncoming vehicle
 
An Aurora man was killed in a head-on collision on Highway 174 just six miles west of Republic on the night of Saturday, April 10. Dustun A. Stockton, 35 was pronounced dead at the scene; his body was taken to the Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City.
According to a report fi led by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash took place when a 1998 Jeep Wrangler driven by Stockton crossed the center line and struck a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by Christian L. Clingman, 25, of Ozark. Both Clingman and his passenger, Elisabeth Clingman, 22, also of Ozark, suffered moderate injuries in the crash and were taken to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. According to the accident report, the Clingmans were both wearing safety devices; Stockton was not.
As required by state law, Christian Clingman was tested for alcohol. Both vehicles received total damage and were towed from the scene.
This was Missouri Highway Patrol Troop D’s 32nd fatality for 2021.