BUTLER COUNTY, MO — A devastating tubing accident on a private pond in Butler County has resulted in the death of 16-year-old Truston Alexander, a beloved local teen known for his vibrant spirit and passion for outdoor activities. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, near County Road 465, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Authorities report that Alexander was being towed on an inflatable tube behind a 2005 Weldcraft vessel operated by another 16-year-old from Poplar Bluff. During the activity, Alexander was ejected from the tube and struck a partially submerged log in the pond, sustaining critical injuries. Emergency responders promptly transported him to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, where he received initial treatment. He was later airlifted to Region One Medical in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was pronounced deceased at 6:43 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, by Dr. Travis Webb.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol noted that neither Alexander nor the boat operator was wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident. The operator was unharmed, and no foul play is suspected. The Butler County Coroner’s Office, led by Coroner Jim Akers, convened a child death review panel, which confirmed the incident as a tragic accident. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities examining safety protocols and equipment to assess whether additional measures could have prevented the tragedy.
Coroner Akers expressed heartfelt condolences, urging the community to keep the Alexander family in their prayers during this time of profound loss. Alexander was a student at Poplar Bluff High School, where he was an active member of the Skeet and Golf teams. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting, and golf, and was remembered by his family as a joyful and kind-hearted young man who cherished time with loved ones.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the critical importance of water safety, particularly the use of life jackets during water sports. As the Poplar Bluff community mourns the loss of Truston Alexander, his legacy endures through the many lives he touched with his warmth and enthusiasm.