Tragedy in St. Louis: Circuit Attorney's Office Assistant dies in car accident
An assistant at the Circuit Attorney's Office in St. Louis, who worked in the office of Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, passed away on Wednesday night after a crash on Interstate 270.
A crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed the death, identifying the victim as 32-year-old James Heitman.
"He was an extraordinary young man, always professional, and this is a terrible loss. My condolences to his family," said Judge Scott Millikan.
Heitman was assigned to the Serious Crimes Unit and Millikan's division.
Channel 5 On Your Side obtained an email sent to all judges that said, "ACA James Heitman was tragically killed in a car accident tonight. Please keep his entire family in your prayers."
Gardner issued the following statement regarding Heitman's death on Thursday morning:
"I am shocked and saddened to announce that one of our dedicated ACAs, Mr. James Heitman, died in a car accident last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his CAO family at this tragic time."
The crash occurred around 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday on Interstate 270 southbound near Interstate 55. Four vehicles were involved.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a GMC Acadia, a Chevrolet Malibu, and a Chrysler Aspen in the second right lane slowed down due to the traffic in front of them. Heitman, who was driving a Toyota Camry, changed lanes from the right lane to the next one where the other vehicles were. The report indicates that he did not see that the traffic had slowed down in front of him, causing him to crash into the back of the Aspen.
That caused the front of the Aspen to collide with the rear of the Malibu, which in turn caused the front of the Malibu to collide with the rear of the Acadia. The Malibu, Aspen, and Camry caught fire after the impact.
Heitman and the Aspen driver were taken to a local hospital, where they were treated, but Heitman died from his injuries. The Aspen driver suffered minor injuries.
Southbound lanes of the highway were closed for hours while agents investigated the accident. The highway has since been reopened.
The Saint Louis University School of Law confirmed that Heitman attended the institution and graduated in 2018.
In summary, this tragic car accident in St. Louis claimed the life of James Heitman, an assistant at the Circuit Attorney's Office. The crash report revealed that Heitman changed lanes and did not realize that the traffic had slowed down, resulting in a collision with other vehicles. The impact caused fires in several of the involved cars. Heitman and the driver of another vehicle were taken to the hospital, but unfortunately, Heitman did not survive. Authorities closed the highway to carry out the corresponding investigation. This tragic loss has left the St. Louis legal community in shock, and numerous condolences have been expressed to Heitman's family and colleagues.
Originally posted at Liga Legal® Abogados
