Goodman teen charged with involuntary manslaughter after post-pool party death

The McDonald County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed a first-degree involuntary manslaughter charge today in connection with an August 8 accident in which a person who was riding on top of the GMC Yukon he was driving, fell off the top of the vehicle and later died from his injuries.

Colby Wayne Wright, 18, had already been charged with careless and imprudent driving involving an accident, driving while revoked and minor visibly intoxicated. His hearing on those charges is scheduled for November 10 in McDonald County Circuit Court.

From the probable cause statement:

On August 08, 2025, at 0743 hours, Troop D Communications informed me of a motor vehicle crash on Allison Road at Peach Orchard Road. At 0756 hours, I arrived on scene and observed Freeman Ambulance staff treating a male subject I identified as {name redacted}

I also observed a white GMC Yukon parked facing south near the intersection.

McDonald County Deputy C. Kelly, badge 15, informed me that the occupants were at a pool party the night prior. Deputy Kelly also informed me a male and female had climbed onto the roof of the vehicle and it had hit a bump ejecting them.

I contacted the four other occupants of the vehicle. I identified the driver as Colby W. Wright of Goodman, Missouri.  I also contacted  {name redacted} who appeared to have minor injuries. Wright stated that (name redacted} wanted to ride on top of the vehicle and that when Wright came around the corner {names redacted} were thrown from the vehicle.

A computer check of Wright's license revealed he had an active 1 year point revocations for 12 points in 12 months, effective March 25, 2025, case number SN001269047. He also had an active in state failure to appear action, case number FA24005517 that was eligible for reinstatement May 23, 2024, but had not been reinstated yet.

Due to the severity of the injuries sustained by {name redacted} I requested Wright submit to a
preliminary breath test and he agreed.

I asked Wright if there would be a measurable amount of alcohol and he nodded yes.I asked Wright the last time he had consumed any alcohol, and he stated a few hours ago. Wright then stated, "lt wasn't the reason for anything; I'm just letting you know ahead of time." 

At 0821 hours, Wright provided a valid breath sample into the PBT that measured 0.036% blood 
sample into the PBT that measured 0.036% blood alcohol content.

On August 19, 2025, Troop Communications informed that (name redacted) died from his injuries he sustained from the crash.

Upon completion of processing, Wright was issued uniform citations for 'minor visibly intoxicated / blood alcohol content more than .02% 1st offense', operated a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner- involving an accident' and 'driving while revoked/suspended- 1st offense.

I am requesting consideration of involuntary manslaughter from McDonald County Prosecutor's Office.

The case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.