Excelsior Springs man dies in crash while trying to avoid deer

A 54-year-old Excelsior Springs man died Thursday after he swerved to miss a deer that was in the road.

Authorities identified the man as David S. Schoettger.

The crash occurred along southbound Missouri JJ about 1 mile south of Missouri H, southwest of Excelsior Springs, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol.

Schoettger was headed south on Route JJ about 8:30 p.m. when he swerved to miss the deer. He lost control of his 1999 Mercury Cougar and it went off the right side of the road and struck a ditch several times.

The car then overturned, ejecting Schoettger, who was no wearing a seat belt, according to the highway patrol. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

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