ST. LOUIS, MO--(KMOX)--A Jefferson County Sheriff's deputy who survived a car crash that killed his wife is now fired and charged with drunk driving.
Former Deputy Colby McCreary, 29, is charged with DWI causing a death and involuntary manslaughter, stemming from the April 30th crash.
Authorities say the 2015 Jeep Cherokee McCreary was driving--with his wife alongside--left the road on Interstate 55 in Festus around one in the morning travelling at over 85 miles an hour.
The vehicle started to overturn, hitting a rock wall alongside the highway. Both husband and wife were ejected.
The crash killed the wife, Savannah McCreary, 28.
The husband was hospitalized with a broken leg and other injuries.
Before the charges were filed, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department was planning a fundraiser to defray medical expenses and help with the couple's two young children.
But now the fundraiser is on hold.
Lab test results from the Missouri Highway Patrol led to the charges, showing McCreary's blood alcohol level was .17 %, more than twice the legal limit.
At the time of the crash Festus police had said they saw "no sign of impairment."
Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak issued a statement saying, "I have read the Probable Cause affidavit completed by the Highway Patrol. The information contained is substantially different than what we were told on April 30th. The allegations are disheartening, and, if true, are not consistent with our values and expectations of our employees.
McCreary was booked at the Jefferson County Jail and released on a $10,000 bond.
Copyright KMOX
