Investigation Continues in Hit-and-Run That Killed Former Sullivan EMS Chief Nick Miller

The Sullivan community continues to mourn the loss of retired first responder Nick Miller, who died Friday, October 10, after spending weeks in intensive care at Mercy Hospital St. Louis. Miller had been hospitalized since a hit-and-run crash on Saturday, September 20, in Washington County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 5:50 p.m. on Christy Mine Road, about 15 miles south of Leasburg. Miller was driving a 2025 Can-Am Defender southbound when he was struck by an unknown vehicle, causing his side-by-side to overturn and travel off the right side of the road. The other vehicle left the scene.

Miller was first transported by North Crawford County Ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan and later transferred to Mercy Hospital St. Louis, where his condition worsened before he succumbed to his injuries weeks later.

An obituary from Eaton Funeral Home said Miller, 54, dedicated 23 years to Sullivan EMS, beginning as an EMT and advancing to paramedic before becoming EMS Chief. He mentored many new emergency responders and was known for advocating for coworkers and improving the department as it grew under BJC HealthCare.

Miller retired from Sullivan EMS in November 2020 and went on to work at Cowtown USA in Cuba, where friends say he continued to connect with the community through his work as a powersports salesman.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 15, at Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.

Miller’s daughter, Maria Miller, said her father described the suspect vehicle as dark in color — possibly black, gray, or dark green — and that her brother later found coolant, paint transfer, and a headlight housing at the crash site, evidence suggesting the other vehicle suffered front-end damage.

“My brother found coolant on the ground from the other vehicle and a housing unit for a headlight,” Maria said in a message to the Sullivan Independent News. “There was also paint left on the side-by-side. Unfortunately, the officers who were there didn’t take the time to look into any of this. I just wanted to give you all the information in case you want to post it to help with the search for who did this.”

She said the family remains frustrated with the pace of the investigation.

“We feel the person responsible needs to be brought to justice,” she said.

Attempts to reach Trooper Gary Picard, the investigating officer with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop I, were unsuccessful this week. Troop I public information officer Trooper Ralicia Tyler was also unavailable for comment.

A reward fund has been established for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. Donations have reached more than $1,200, according to organizers. Contributions can be made at any Peoples Bank location.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Gary Picard at 573-508-7396 or by email at Gary.Picard@mshp.dps.mo.gov.