Farmington teen dies in crash

A Farmington teen was involved in a fatal crash early Saturday morning at 2:48 a.m. in St. Charles off Highway 79.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Christopher Marks, 28, of Eureka, was driving his 2016 Volkswagen Jetta southbound on Highway 79 south of Route C, while Zoe Gratton, 17, of Farmington was driving her 2005 Ford Focus northbound on Highway 79.

Gratton crossed the centerline and into the path of Marks. Marks attempted to avoid the Ford by veering left. The Ford returned to the correct lane and the front of the Jeffta struck the front of Ford.

Gratton was wearing her seat belt and was pronounced dead at the scene by a Lincoln County deputy at 3:05 a.m. Marks was not wearing his seat belt and was taken to Progress West Hospital by private conveyance with minor injuries.

Renee Bronaugh is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-518-3617 or rbronaugh@dailyjournalonline.com