SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A 48-year-old Springfield man was killed early Thursday morning after being struck by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 44, marking the city’s second traffic-related death of 2026. Authorities identified the victim as Wesley Osborne, who died at the scene after the collision in the westbound lanes of the interstate.
According to the Springfield Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 1:16 a.m. on January 29, 2026, to a reported motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on I-44 near the exit for U.S. Highway 65. Emergency crews arrived to find a man lying in the roadway after being hit by a commercial vehicle.
Police said a 2017 Freightliner tractor-trailer, driven by Mohammed Soghar, 36, of Kansas City, Kansas, was traveling westbound on I-44 when it struck Osborne. Investigators reported that Osborne was in the westbound travel lane at the time of the crash. The impact proved fatal, and Osborne was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that his family has been notified of his death.
The incident caused temporary disruptions to traffic in the area as officers worked to secure the scene and conduct an initial investigation. Portions of the roadway were closed while evidence was collected and the scene was documented. Traffic was later reopened once investigators completed their on-site work.
At this time, police have not released details explaining why Osborne was on the interstate or what led up to the collision. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, and officials have not indicated whether speed, visibility, impairment, or other factors may have played a role. No charges have been announced as the investigation continues.
Springfield police are asking for the public’s help as they work to determine what happened in the moments leading up to the fatal crash. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.
