Buffalo woman dies in crash on US 65

On March 13, 2024, at 11:40 a.m., on US 65 one half mile north of Buffalo, Belva Skinner, 68, Buffalo, was headed southbound in a 2009 Toyota Camry when she swerved to avoid a branch in the road. Skinner skidded across the center of the road and struck a 2014 GMC Acadia driven by Melinda J. Walton, 47, Springfield who had two passengers the ages of 15 and 16, also from Springfield. Skinner faced fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Walton suffered serious injuries and her passengers suffered moderate injuries. All three individuals were taken to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. The impact totaled both vehicles and they were towed from the scene. Skinner was wearing a safety device, Walton and the two passengers were not.