Ava Wolfe and 3 Others Dead in Vehicle Crash on US 54 [Vernon County, MO]

Vernon County, MO (February 23, 2025) – Ava Wolfe, Jayden Butterfield, Violete Corado, and a 38-year-old Osceola man, were killed in a vehicle crash on US 54 Friday night.

The tragic vehicle crash happened around 8 p.m. in Vernon County. 

According to the investigators, a car occupied by five people did not stop at a stop sign and was struck by an SUV. Afterward, the car then also struck a tree and a fence off the road.

Ava Wolfe, Jayden Butterfield, and Violete Corado, ages 18, 19, and 21, were riding in the car and were killed in the collision.

The car driver, on the other hand, was rushed to the hospital in Joplin with serious injuries. 

Climax Springs School District said Ava Wolfe, Jayden Butterfield, and Violete Corado, were recent Climax Springs graduates. The three were returning home from watching the Cougars basketball game against Northeast Vernon County in Walker when the collision happened.

The SUV driver, a 38-year-old man from Osceola, was also killed in the crash. 

The SUV passengers were all rushed to the hospital, one of them suffering from serious injuries.

Police said several of the people involved in the fatal collision were not wearing seatbelts.

A GoFundMe is created to help with the funeral expenses of Ava Wolfe, Jayden Butterfield, and Violete Corado.

---

We at Sweet Lawyers would like to extend our condolences to the loved ones of the four deceased. May you find courage during this difficult time.

---

How Can a Wrongful Death Claim Help?

The loss of a loved one in a fatal traffic accident is a devastating experience for families. In addition to the emotional trauma, the bereaved are often left facing unforeseen financial burdens. When this happens, filing a wrongful death claim can provide vital support, both legally and financially. It is important to understand that a wrongful death claim holds the responsible party accountable and allows the family of the deceased to seek compensation for their loss.

One of the primary reasons to pursue a wrongful death claim following a deadly traffic accident is to recover financial losses which may include funeral expenses, medical costs for the deceased’s final treatment, and lost wages. If the deceased was the primary earner in the family, the surviving loved ones may struggle to cover day-to-day expenses without the deceased’s income. Compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit can help ease the financial strain caused by this loss.

Additionally, a wrongful death claim serves as a way to hold negligent parties responsible. Whether the crash was caused by a drunk driver, distracted driving, or a defective vehicle, the at-fault party should be held accountable for their actions. The legal process ensures that justice is pursued and can also raise awareness about dangerous behaviors that may have contributed to the collision and prevent similar accidents from happening.

Pursuing a wrongful death claim can offer a sense of closure and justice to grieving families. Yes, no financial compensation can replace the lost life of a loved one. Still, it can provide families with a sense of resolution, knowing that the responsible party has been held liable for their actions.

Consult With Our Legal Team

Sweet Lawyers has more than four decades of expertise in this field. That is why, it is best to consult with our tenured attorneys to see your best legal options.

Call us at (800) 674-7852.