Woman Killed in Fatal Crash After Police Pursuit on I-70 Near St. Louis

 A 29-year-old woman has died following a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 westbound near West Florissant Avenue in St. Louis, after a police pursuit that began in Fairmont City, Illinois, according to authorities.

The victim was identified as Precious Black, a beloved mother and business owner. The incident occurred around 5:15 a.m. on December 21, 2025, when a Fairmont City police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop for speeding, officials said.

According to statements from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) and Fairmont City authorities, the officer initiated the stop in Illinois. During the encounter, the officer reportedly reached into Black’s vehicle in an attempt to unbuckle her seat belt and remove her from the car. At that point, Black drove away, allegedly dragging the officer a short distance before fleeing the scene.

The pursuit continued westbound into Missouri, where the vehicle entered I-70 at high speed. Authorities said the Fairmont City officer eventually disengaged from the chase after losing sight of the vehicle. A short time later, the officer located Black’s car after it had crashed just before the West Florissant Avenue exit.

Investigators said Black’s vehicle left the roadway and struck a guardrail and a light pole, resulting in fatal injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The Fairmont City officer involved sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Officials confirmed that no St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers were involved in the pursuit itself. The incident is now under review by the SLMPD Force Investigation Unit, which examines cases involving police use of force or deaths connected to law enforcement actions. Authorities noted this is the fifth fatal police pursuit investigated by the unit in 2025, with only one of those pursuits initiated by SLMPD.

Black’s family has been notified, and members of the community have expressed deep sorrow over her death. Loved ones described her as a dedicated mother and entrepreneur. Calls for transparency and accountability in the investigation have grown in the days following the crash.

A candlelight vigil was held on December 22 at Terminal 3 Bar & Grill, where Black worked as a bartender, as friends, family, and community members gathered to honor her life and legacy.

Authorities say the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and crash remains ongoing, and additional details will be released as they become available.