Elderly couple killed in Phelps County head-on crash

PHELPS COUNTY — An elderly couple was killed Sunday morning in a head-on crash in Phelps County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on Route BB approximately two miles south of St. James around 10:15 a.m.

Authorities said 19-year-old Tomas Shipman, of Fort Knox, Kentucky, was traveling southbound when he crossed the center line. According to Sergeant Cody Fulkerson, Shipman was allegedly experiencing car trouble which distracted his eyes from the road.

William Peterman, 85, a St. James man, was driving in the opposite direction and swerved to avoid the oncoming vehicle. At that same moment, officials said Shipman realized he was in the wrong lane and attempted to steer back to the right side of the road. Troopers said this is when the vehicles collided head on.

William Peterman was airlifted from the scene to University Hospital, but passed away just before noon. His wife, 80-year-old Faith Peterman, was taken by ambulance to Phelps County Regional Medical Center and was pronounced dead just after 11 a.m. They were both wearing seat belts.

Sergeant Flulkerson said Shipman was not injured during the crash.