MILLER COUNTY, MO — A tragic two-vehicle collision on Thursday morning claimed the life of 20-year-old Ryan King, a recent graduate of School of the Osage and a standout member of the school’s football program.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred around 9:35 a.m. in the westbound lane of Route MM on the Community Bridge, formerly known as the toll bridge. King, a resident of Lake Ozark and a 2023 graduate of Osage High School, was driving a 2013 Mazda CX-5 when his vehicle collided with the rear of a 1999 Ford F-250 that was stopped in traffic. The Ford was being driven by an 18-year-old male from Brumley.
Investigators say that following the initial impact, both vehicles began to skid. King’s vehicle veered off the right side of the roadway before returning and crossing into oncoming traffic. The pickup truck also crossed the center line, and both vehicles ultimately came to rest facing east in the middle of the road.
Emergency responders from the Lake Ozark Fire Department transported King to Lake Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:13 a.m. Authorities confirmed that King was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, while the driver of the Ford F-250 was.
This incident marks Troop F’s first traffic fatality for the month of April and the twelfth reported so far in 2025.
A Community in Mourning
The loss of Ryan King has shaken the tight-knit community of Lake Ozark and the School of the Osage family. Known not only for his athleticism on the football field but for his leadership and spirit, King served as a team captain and wore his jersey — number 81 — with pride.
In a poignant show of unity and remembrance, the Osage community gathered Thursday evening at the school’s football field. As the sun began to set, the stadium lights were turned on for 81 minutes, a heartfelt tribute to the number King wore as an Osage Indian.
“Our football family has lost one of our most beloved teammates, brother, and friend in Ryan King, 2023 graduate and captain,” Osage Indian football coach Shannon Jolley shared in a moving post on Facebook. “It is GAMEDAY today as we pay tribute to one of the best to wear the ‘Maroon and White.’”
Jolley invited community members to stop by the field for a moment of silence, prayer, or simply to stand under the lights and reflect. “May God bless you, Ryan King,” the message concluded.
Remembering Ryan
Friends and former teammates described King as a passionate, hardworking, and kind-hearted individual who left a lasting impression on those around him. Whether on the field or in the classroom, Ryan was known for his commitment, positive energy, and unwavering dedication to his team and community.
As the investigation into the crash continues, the community continues to rally around Ryan’s family and friends, holding tight to memories of a young man gone far too soon.
In honor of his life and the impact he made, residents are asked to keep the King family in their thoughts and prayers in the difficult days ahead.