Community remembers Walnut Park man killed on Memorial Day

Taylor Harris and Megan Mueller

23 mins ago

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Missouri – A community in the Walnut Park neighborhood of north St. Louis County is mourning the loss of a well-known figure.

44-year-old Dwayne Washington, known as “Walnut Park Wayne,” was killed in a car crash on Interstate 270 west of Lilac Avenue early Monday morning.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, he was speeding and not paying attention eastbound on I-270 when he crashed into a railing. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Many have expressed their sadness and condolences for Washington on social media. He was remembered as a good-natured and great hairdresser. Jerrod Harris knew him since his youth.

“Man, I’ve known Wayne since he was a little boy. I know his family, I always cut his hair. He was kind of my barber dummy. I worked on him and gave him textures and stuff,” Harris said. “Always positive, always had good things to say, funny. You know, uplifting, good humor.”

FOX 2 reached out to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and received the following response:

“Apart from what is stated in the online accident report, we have nothing else to report. The driver was driving too fast and did not pay enough attention to the road ahead, left the road and crashed into the guardrail.”

Those close to Washington say he will be missed.

“Rest in peace, my boy Wayne. I mean, he’s leaving his mark on the city. Everyone knows him. Love to his family. If they need anything, I’m here at the First Class Barbershop,” Harris said.

Traffic safety experts call the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day the “100 deadliest days” because of a rise in the number of fatal traffic accidents nationwide.