COTTLEVILLE, MO – Terrifying events took place over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Cottleville, Missouri. A mother of two, 36-year-old Lindsay Jaco, is now battling for her life after being struck by a car whilst walking home from the city’s festive celebration on Saturday night.
The tragedy struck shortly before 10 pm on the highway’s shoulder, where Jaco, along with some friends, was hit from behind by a vehicle, leaving her critically wounded. The driver, identified as 59-year-old Antoinette Bayless, was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated (DWI), as revealed by local reports. She has since been released.
The holiday event reportedly saw three other DUI arrests and multiple assault incidents this year. Jaco suffered severe head injuries in the accident resulting in a brain bleed. She was unconscious when rushed to the hospital.
Jaco’s family are grappling with the unthinkable situation. Her mother, Kelly Heineneyer, expressed the family’s despair and hope, saying, “We’re still pulling for her and praying for her, and helping her get through this, and God willing, she will.”
As of the initial days this week, Jaco was still in critical condition. She did, however, show signs of improvement, as doctors were able to take her off a ventilator and she could communicate with her family.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by a friend to support Jaco’s recovery journey, which has so far raked in over $12,000. Jaco, who is presently receiving treatment at Mercy Hospital, is reportedly making progress, but the upcoming days are critical.
Following the incident, questions are being asked about safety measures during city holidays in Cottleville, home to fewer than 6,000 people. This year, the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations saw between 20,000-30,000 attendees.
The holiday event is not city-sponsored and is primarily organized by local businesses. This is the first time such an incident has occurred during the annual festivities, according to Cottleville Police Chief Dave McCune.
McCune mentioned that the department is considering introducing changes in the future to enhance safety, including potentially closing down Highway N where the incident occurred.