Collision on Olive Boulevard results in MBU student fatality

On Tuesday, Feb. 21 at approximately 11 a.m., a black 2012 Infiniti SUV heading eastbound on Olive Boulevard crossed the center line and struck two westbound vehicles, a 2007 white Dodge truck and a 1998 silver Honda Accord.

The Accord, driven by Clayton A. Pfeiffer, of south St. Louis county, was struck head-on. Pfeiffer was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased due to injuries suffered in the collision. Pfeiffer was a graduate of St. John Vianney High School and a freshman baseball player at Missouri Baptist University.

Bryce Chapman, MBU director of Communications, indicated that a memorial celebrating the life of Clayton will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23, in the university chapel.

Dr. Thomas M. Smith, director of Athletics and an associate professor at MBU, in a letter to the student body, wrote of Pfeiffer: “Clayton began his time at Missouri Baptist University this past fall as a freshman. Although he had not yet had the opportunity to play this season, he was a student-athlete with a tremendous work ethic, and was considered a strong supporter to his team and friends both on and off the field.
“In his brief time at MBU, he contributed greatly to the Spartan Athletics Baseball program. Together, our prayers and support go out to the team, as well as his family and friends. His untimely death will be felt by the entire Missouri Baptist family.”

The driver of the Infiniti, Dale Kawamura, 35, a resident of Oakland, Calif. and his passenger, Steven Hammer, 32, also of Oakland, were also taken to a local hospital due to injuries suffered at the scene. According to Chesterfield Police, Hammer was treated and released; however, Kawamura remains hospitalized as of noon on  Wednesday, Feb. 22.

The driver of the Dodge truck, Jerome Drapp, 46, of St. Louis, was not injured in the accident.

A reconstruction team with the Chesterfield police department is conducting an investigation and conducting follow-up.