The city of Hollister lost a friend and valued employee and its park system lost its director, champion, and a primary force behind it planning and expansion. At approximately 12:06 a.m. August 18, Chad Fuqua, Director of Hollister’s Park Department, was killed in a tragic traffic incident on Business Highway 65 near the Spirit Shop in Hollister.
According to the report of the incident, prepared by the Missouri Highway Patrol, Fuqua, 40, was traveling east bound on Business Highway 65 on a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle when a 2007 Hummer, operated by Chadwick B. Carter, 27, of Forsyth made a U-Turn into the path of Fuqua’s motorcycle striking it. Fuqua was ejected from the motorcycle and was pronounced dead a short time later at Skaggs Community Health Center.
On the afternoon of August 18, Taney County Prosecutor Jeff Merrell charged Carter with one felony count of Involuntary Manslaughter. Although the investigation is ongoing, preliminary indications are that Carter had been drinking prior to the incident.
The employees of the city of Hollister as well as others are attempting to deal with the void left by the sudden loss of their fellow employee and friend. A grieving Rick Ziegenfuss, Hollister City Administrator, in describing Fuqua said, “Chad was a man of few words” who let his works and deeds speak for him and he will be sorely missed.
In addition to helping plan, build, and maintain Hollister’s growing park system, Fuqua was actively involved in participating in the various programs and activities in which the department was involved. From the set up and firing of the Fourth of July fireworks, to the children’s Halloween celebration to Founders Day and everything in between Fuqua was there and actively participated. Yet there is one thing, to this reporter, that stands out and, in his heart and mind, helps explain just why Fuqua will be so sorely missed.
At the recent dedication of Hollister’s new Town Hall Park just a few weeks ago, Park Board Chairman, Tom Linkous singled out and recognized Fuqua for his untiring efforts in making the park a reality. Yet, in his typical “few words style,” rather than bask in a well deserved moment of glory, Chad chose to recognize the contribution of others in making the park a reality and give special recognition to one of his fellow employees in the Hollister Park Department for their contribution and efforts, Mike Alves. Such was the graciousness and humbleness of this dedicated public servant, friend, and son.
Reprinted with permission of the Tri-Lakes Tribune, a free newspaper published and distributed three times weekly, Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 417-336-NEWS (6397) for classified and display advertising opportunities.
