Hero Down: Howell County Sheriff’s Corporal Michael Wall Succumbs To Injuries From Crash

Howell County, MO – Howell County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Corporal Michael Wall died on Jan. 20 due to injuries he suffered in an off-duty crash on Dec. 27, 2021.

The multi-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 4:59 p.m. as Cpl. Wall, 77, was traveling southbound on Highway 63, Howell County News reported.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MHP), 26-year-old Bailey Pine was driving a 2002 Ford Expedition northbound and rear-ended a 2013 Kia Optima being driven by 70-year-old John Eve, the St. Joseph Post reported.

Pine’s vehicle traveled across the centerline after the collision and slammed into Cpl. Wall’s 2001 Nissan Frontier, then overturned.

Pine, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died from his injuries at the scene.

Eve was not injured in the pileup.

Cpl. Wall was airlifted to the hospital, where he remained until succumbing to his injuries on Jan. 20, Howell County News reported.

Howell County Sheriff Brent Campbell announced the veteran officer’s death in a press release the following day.

“It is with deep regret and sorrow to announce the los of a member of the Howell County Sheriff’s Office family,” Sheriff Campbell wrote. “Corporal Wall was well respected by his seniors, peers and subordinates…He was an asset to our community and will be missed by those that knew him.”

Cpl. Wall joined the HCSO on March 7, 1997.

During his 25 years of “faithful and honorable service,” he worked as a corrections officer, transport officer, and court security officer, Sheriff Campbell said.

Cpl. Wall served as a bailiff at the Howell County Courthouse for the past 18 years.

The sheriff said the longtime officer was always eager to help develop “systems and the means to maintain security throughout the courthouse.”

“I ask our community to keep the family and friends in their prayers and thoughts throughout this time of healing,” he wrote.

Cpl. Wall leaves behind his wife, daughter, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

He was laid to rest on Jan. 28, according to the Ozark Radio News.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Howell County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Michael Wall, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.