KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A motorcyclist died in a crash on Friday morning in Bates County, Missouri.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the crash happened on the Missouri Highway 52 bridge over Interstate 49 in Butler.
Troopers say a van pulling a trailer had exited from I-49 and was turning onto MO-52 when it pulled into the path of the motorcyclist who had been riding west on MO-52.
The motorcyclist struck the trailer. Troopers say the motorcycle operator was pronounced deceased on the scene.
The overpass remained closed as of noon Friday as troopers continued their investigation into the crash.
🚨Fatal Crash - Bates County🚨
— MSHP Troop A (@MSHPTrooperA) June 12, 2026
Troopers are investigating a fatal crash on the MO-52 Highway overpass at I-49, in Butler. The crash involved a motorcycle and a van pulling a trailer. MO-52 Highway, over I-49, is currently closed as the crash is investigated. Avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/mKi7aE3lMC
—
If you have any information about a crime, you may contact your local police department directly. But if you want or need to remain anonymous, you should contact the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline by calling 816-474-TIPS (8477), submitting the tip online or through the free mobile app at P3Tips.com. Depending on your tip, Crime Stoppers could offer you a cash reward.
Annual homicide details and data for the Kansas City area are available through the KSHB 41 News Homicide Tracker, which was launched in 2015. Read the KSHB 41 News Mug Shot Policy.
