A young man remembered by his community as kind, warm, and full of life was killed Friday night in a single-vehicle crash in Wright City, leaving family, friends, and coworkers grieving a loss they are still struggling to comprehend.
One Dead, One Seriously Hurt After Kia Strikes Tree on County Farm Road
The Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C reports that the crash occurred at 11:30 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, on County Farm Road near Depping Drive in Wright City, Warren County.
A Kia Optima left the roadway and struck a tree. Three people were inside the vehicle at the time.
Briley Halleman, a 21-year-old male from Washington, Missouri, was pronounced dead at the scene. A second occupant, a 24-year-old male from Wright City, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted by ARCH Air to a hospital in Creve Coeur.
The driver, a 22-year-old female from Washington, suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to a hospital in Lake Saint Louis.
At 12:11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, the driver was arrested and now faces charges of driving while intoxicated, involuntary manslaughter in the first degree, and assault in the second degree.
Authorities note that the charges are accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
A Son, a Father, and a Friend Remembered by Those Who Loved Him
Beyond the police report and the legal proceedings, Briley Halleman was someone whose presence meant a great deal to the people around him.
He was the oldest son of Tanya Murphy, who has worked at West Allen Grill in Washington for roughly 30 years.
The restaurant, where Briley himself once worked, shared the news of his death with deep sorrow, writing that over the decades, many loyal customers had come to know Tanya and her children as part of the West Allen Grill family.
Briley also leaves behind a young child, Melvin, as well as siblings Kaden and Jaycee. The restaurant asked the community to hold the family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate an unimaginably painful time.
Those who knew Briley personally have spoken of him with consistent affection. A former classmate recalled him showing up to school in fresh Jordans and a gold chain, describing football games with him as some of his best memories.
Others called him a kind and thoughtful soul, a fun-loving person whose warmth touched everyone around him. His sister Kallie Murphy wrote simply, “My heart is hurting. I’ll miss you forever, Briley.”
Memorial service arrangements had not been publicly announced as of the time of this report. West Allen Grill said it would share details as they become available.
The crash remains under investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Troop C.
The community of Washington and the surrounding area has rallied around the Murphy and Halleman families, with dozens of people flooding social media with messages of love, grief, and prayer for those left behind.
