Traffic Crash Claims Life of Northeast Mo Man

The northbound lanes of US 61 in New London were closed for a time after a fatal crash Friday afternoon.The Missouri Highway Patrol reports two vehicles collided at 1:25 p.m. Friday at the intersection of US 61 and Route A.

Troopers say 83 year-old Henry Gerdes of Vandalia was heading westbound, attempting to cross Highway 61 when he pulled his van into the path of northbound pickup driven by 37 year-old Bryce Rasmusson of Jesup, Iowa.

Gerdes was pronounced dead shortly after 2 p.m. by Ralls County Coroner Robert VanWinkle.

Rasmusson, his wife and two children all reported minor injuries and went by ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital.

The Missouri Highway Patrol was assisted by the Ralls County Sheriff's Department, New London Police, Ralls County Fire and EMS.