A 46-year-old Boonville man is facing charges after a deadly traffic crash on December 21, 2020, in Cooper County.

According to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a trooper was notified of an injury crash on U.S. Highway 40, west of Smith Road at 9:23 p.m. Upon arrival, the trooper was advised one of the drivers may be deceased.

The driver of a Chevrolet 2500, Richard Ray Nichols was trapped in the front seat of his vehicle. Boonville Fire Department personnel freed Nichols.

The trooper also observed a Chevrolet 1500, and the driver was identified as Ryan M. Scott. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The trooper says evidence at the scene indicated Nichols’ vehicle crossed into the westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 40 and struck Scott’s vehicle.

The trooper administered a preliminary breath test on Nichols that was .123 percent. Nichols admitted to the trooper had consumed some alcohol.

Court documents say Nichols is charged with Class C Felonies for Involuntary Manslaughter in the First Degree and DWI- Causing Death of Another Person. Nichols posted $10,000 cash bond on January 15.

Nichols’ initial appearance is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, February 19, at Cooper County Circuit Court.