James Shotts Obituary, WRIGHT COUNTY, Mo. — James Shotts, a 68-year-old Willow Springs man, died Thursday morning, September 24, 2026, after his motorcycle was struck head-on by a vehicle on Missouri Route 95 in Wright County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the fatal collision occurred at approximately 10:07 a.m., about four miles south of Mountain Grove. Shotts was riding a 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan when the crash occurred.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report states that a 19-year-old Ava man was driving a 1999 Buick Century southbound on Missouri Route 95 when the vehicle crossed the centerline and collided head-on with Shotts’ motorcycle.
Shotts sustained serious injuries in the collision and was transported to Cox South in Springfield for medical treatment. Despite those efforts, he was pronounced dead at the hospital at approximately 11:54 a.m., according to the crash report.
Authorities confirmed that Shotts’ next of kin has been notified. No additional information about his personal life, career, family, or community involvement was provided in the available crash report.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Officials have not released additional details regarding the investigation beyond the information contained in the crash report.
The crash was reported as the 23rd fatality in Troop G during 2026, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to document the circumstances surrounding the collision.
James Shotts’ death marks a loss for his family and the Willow Springs community. His loved ones have been notified, and condolences go to those mourning his passing as the investigation into the fatal crash continues.
