Springfield police investigate fatal motorcycle collision

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A motorcyclist has recently died after a crash that occured in Springfield on Monday, Feb. 16. According to a Springfield Police Department (SPD) press release, Joseph Thornton, 47, of Springfield, died from his injuries on Saturday, Feb. 28. SPD says the crash occured on Feb. 16 while Thornton was driving a 2006 Harley-Davidson motorcycle with passenger Shayla Evans, 37, of Springfield, around 9:43 p.m. on the Glenstone Street bridge over Trafficway on Feb. 16. Thornton crashed into another motorcyclist, who left the scene before officers arrived, the release says. At the time of the incident, Thornton and Evans were taken to the hospital with reports of both not wearing helmets. Law enforcement were notifed on Monday, March 2, that Thornton died from his injuries, saying his family is aware of his death. The motorcyclist who left the scene of the incident has been identified, and the case has been presented to the Greene County Prosecutor's Office for potential filing of criminal charges. SPD says the incident is an ongoing investigation and asks residents to call their department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) for anyone with information. This is the third fatal motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2026.