OAKVILLE, Mo. — The St. Louis County Police Department is investigating a fatal head-on accident that happened May 6 on Baumgartner Road.
At around 7 p.m., a 2018 Dodge Charger fled from an earlier accident, ran a red light, and crossed the center line. The vehicle struck a 2015 Honda Accord head-on.
The Honda driver, Christine Decker of Oakville, suffered critical injuries. Emergency personnel transported her to the hospital, where she succumbed.
Authorities arrested Gavin Kolley, 37, for first-degree involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident with property damage exceeding $1,000.
Law enforcement urges anyone with relevant information to contact investigators as the case remains open.
Christine Decker tragically killed in Oakville vehicle accident
May 08, 2025
Incident Location
CRASH INVESTIGATION
“It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire expert witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process,” said Candice Bond, a managing partner with Bond Legal.
She noted that, in cases such as this, an independent investigation is crucial to preserve evidence.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Bond. “A lawyer has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct drivers’ background checks, locate witnesses to the crash and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide an injury victim through what can be a complicated process.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Christine Decker could pursue a wrongful death claim. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond.
“We understand the hardships that families face, and it’s crucial to protect their rights. A wrongful death lawyer will keep abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are safeguarded.”
If you or a family member have been involved in a situation similar to this article and would like to speak to our national legal analyst Candice Bond free of charge, please use the contact information found on this page
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
