Local Business Owner Fatally Injured In Motorcycle Crash

The owner of Patriot Towing was fatally injured and his wife seriously injured following a motorcycle accident June 4 in Iron County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at 1:58 p.m. on Highway 32. 

A westbound 2013 Harley Davidson, operated by Matthew B. Pauk, 40, Leslie, failed to negotiate a curve to the right and traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a guardrail.

Pauk was pronounced fatally injured at the scene by Iron County Coroner Tim Harbison, while his wife, Jennifer Pauk, 41, Leslie, received serious injuries. She was flown by AirEvac to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur for treatment.

The motorcycle sustained moderate damages in the accident.

Pauk was active in assisting emergency responders with training and was well known in the local area.

Visitation for Pauk will be held from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington. A funeral mass will be held Monday at St. Ann Church in Clover Bottom.