Boat Collision On Meramec Injures Five

Three Sullivan residents and two O’Fallon residents received injuries in a boat collision on the Meramec River Saturday near Cane’s Bottom.

One person was flown to Mercy Hospital by ARCH helicopter.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the accident occurred around 8:30 p.m.

A 1997 Express 150 that was operated by Joshua Rigsby, 38, O’Fallon, was traveling downstream.

A 2021 Shoal Runner 2056 that was operated by Bradley Oldham, 41, Sullivan was traveling upstream.

Oldham turned right to avoid a collision with Rigsby’s boat. Rigsby turned left and the front right of his boat struck the front left of Oldham’s boat.

Rigsby was flown to St. Louis with serious injuries.

Two Sullivan residents — Ryan Peltonen, 42, and Stephanie Peltonen, 43, — had moderate injuries and were taken to Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital.

Another Sullivan resident — Courtney Schatz, 36, — had minor injuries and sought medical attention via private conveyance.

Mary Anderson, 47, O’Fallon, had moderate injuries. She was taken to Missouri Baptist Sullivan.