Teenage Girl Dies After Being Struck by Sheriff’s Deputy’s Vehicle in St. Francois County

Kansas City, MO, October 6, 2026 — A 16-year-old girl has died following a traffic incident in St. Francois County, Missouri, involving a vehicle driven by a St. Francois County Sheriff’s deputy. The incident occurred when the deputy’s car struck Persephone Berger, who was reportedly lying on the roadway.

Persephone Berger, a resident of St. Francois County, was pronounced deceased following the collision. The specific circumstances that led to Berger being on the road at the time of the incident have not been detailed. The St. Francois County Sheriff’s deputy was operating their vehicle when the incident took place.

Details regarding the exact date and time of the incident, as well as the sequence of events leading up to the collision, were not immediately available. An investigation into the incident is presumed to be underway, though specific details about its status or findings have not been provided.

Loved ones of Persephone Berger are currently mourning her loss. Tributes describe her as a kind and lively individual. The community is grappling with the sudden death of the young resident.

The St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department has not released further information regarding the incident, and the identity of the deputy involved has not been disclosed.

Story summarized from the original created by Karla Vasquez Mejia, Kalie Strain, Shawn Loging, Gray News staff on www.kctv5.com, see more information here.

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