From the desk of Bates County Coroner Greg Mullinax

Just before 0800 this morning (2/10/2020) I was called by the Bates County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol to County Road 1002 East of St. Rt. V in Bates County. 

A vehicle had traveled off the roadway and was discovered in a creek. The driver and lone occupant of the vehicle was deceased.

The decedent is identified as Carson L. Elmer, 18 of Adrian, Missouri. Foul play is not suspected and Mr. Elmer’s death is believed to be accidental in nature.

Very truly,


Greg D. Mullinax
Coroner of Bates County