A three-vehicle crash on North U.S. Highway 65 in Springfield resulted in the death of Willis King, 57, of Fordland, on January 20, 2026. According to the Springfield Police Department, the incident occurred at 7:54 a.m. when King, driving a 2008 Buick Lacrosse northbound, struck the back of a 2014 Dodge Ram driven by Robert Caton, 34, of Nixa. The impact caused King’s vehicle to leave the roadway and led the Dodge Ram to collide with a 2021 Ford Explorer operated by Alyssa Tapio, 35, of Rogersville.
King was transported to a hospital where he later died. His family has been notified.
The police stated that “the circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation.” They ask that anyone with information contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.
This incident marks Springfield’s first fatal vehicle crash in 2026.
Willis King had retired from the Springfield Fire Department in 2018 as a fire equipment operator after serving for 24 years.
