WESTPHALIA  — Caden J. Haslag, 17, of Loose Creek, and Hannah N. McDowell, 22, of Rolla, were killed Wednesday, July 15, following a head-on collision on Hwy. 63 near the Knights of Columbus Soccer Park near Westphalia.

The crash occurred when Haslag’s 2008 Nissan Sentra crossed the centerline and struck McDowell’s 2019 Kia Optima head-on. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene at 6 p.m. by Osage County Coroner Lois Jaegers and were transported to Morton’s Family Chapel in Linn.

The accident scene was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Osage County Sheriff’s Office.

Haslag was quiet but dedicated. Community members say he will be remembered as a young man with a heart of gold. He lived a faith-filled and balanced life, and always put family and friends ahead of himself. 

Haslag shared an unbelievable bond with his brother, Easton. “They were inseparable and got into their share of mischief through the years,” a close family friend said.

Haslag was a great role model for many of the youth in local communities. In family and friend gatherings, he was often found entertaining the younger kids, who loved him like their own brother, according to this friend of the family.

“Keith and Dawn raised a young man who had high moral values that they instilled in him from a young age,” the family friend said. “He was quick-witted and loved to make people laugh. He was a good teammate to all and enjoyed running every race.”

Haslag was a member of the three-time cross country state championship team and had two years of track under Coach Marc Bridges.

“It’s rough,” said Bridges of the All-State athlete. “Caden was a pretty quiet kid, but he developed into a leader on our team more through his actions than words. He was the kid the never missed a summer run or a chance to improve himself. He always took advantage of every opportunity and worked really hard to make varsity and contribute to the team. He was a great teammate.”

Haslag last year was an All-District javelin thrower, but he was more than that. “He helped with anything I needed,” said Bridges. “You didn’t have to ask or look in his direction. He just came over and did what needed to be done.”

Bridges said he was an all-around good kid. “He didn’t get into trouble, and did the right thing,” the coach said. “He was active in clubs and played basketball for two years. Caden was very active at school and in the classroom.”

Haslag was a member of FFA, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and the A+ Program, and he enjoyed several activities away from school.

Preseason cross country conditioning has been rough, but Bridges said his teammates have pulled together. “It’s a tragic situation, but these kids are pretty tight,” he added.“We are letting people heal  in whatever way works best for them.”

Fatima Superintendent Chuck Woody said Haslag was much more than just a tremendous athlete.  

“Caden was one of the most polite and well-mannered young men I have ever been around,” he said. “While we will all miss Caden’s smile in the hallways, he will always live forever in our hearts.”

An obituary appears on Page 2.