Tragic Cycling Accident on Big Bend Boulevard Causes Traffic Delays and Investigation

Incident Summary and Response

On June 19, 2025, an 85-year-old cyclist named David Crawford from Dupo was fatally struck by a vehicle on Big Bend Boulevard in St. Louis County. The crash took place near Grant’s Trail, close to the I-44 exit ramp. The collision happened around 12:30 p.m. in the 9900 block of Big Bend Boulevard, where the trail crosses the roadway.

The St. Louis County Police Department responded promptly. Officers from the Affton Southwest Precinct arrived at the scene to find the victim injured. Emergency medical services took David Crawford to a hospital, but he did not survive the injuries sustained in the crash.

The department’s Accident Reconstruction detectives along with the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons began a thorough investigation. The investigation required the closure of Big Bend Boulevard for about two and a half hours to collect evidence and analyze the sequence of events leading to the fatal motor vehicle crash.

Location and Environment

Big Bend Boulevard is a busy road that runs through St. Louis County and intersects with Grant’s Trail, a popular path used by cyclists and pedestrians. The area near I-44 is often traveled by local residents and commuters, making visibility and safety crucial for everyone on the road.

Law Enforcement Actions

• Accident Reconstruction Detectives: Tasked with detailed analysis of the crash scene, vehicle positions, speed, and other physical evidence.
• Crimes Against Persons Bureau: Investigates circumstances around the incident to determine if any laws were broken.
• Affton Southwest Precinct: The initial responders who secured the scene and managed traffic around the crash site.

Issues Highlighted

The incident has drawn attention to several safety concerns on Big Bend Boulevard and other similar roadways in St. Louis County:

• The risk to cyclists at road crossings and busy intersections.
• The need for increased awareness by drivers and pedestrians.
• Potential improvements to infrastructure where Grant’s Trail crosses traffic lanes.

Community and Official Reactions

Local cyclists and community members have advocated for better road safety measures following the accident. Calls for increased protection for cyclists have grown louder, with demands for clear signage, crosswalk enhancements, and separation between trails and vehicular traffic.

Summary of Impact

The event underscores ongoing challenges in balancing road use among vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. It highlights the importance of targeted safety efforts by law enforcement and local agencies to prevent future tragedies.