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Trooper Killed Evading Debris on Oklahoma Highway
9 Apr
Summary
- A highway crash tragically claimed the lives of a trooper, a woman, and a child.
- The incident occurred when a truck allegedly spilled debris across the roadway.
- Authorities are investigating the crash as a potential crime scene.
A devastating collision on I-35 near Oklahoma City has resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The victims have been identified as Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Vernon Brake, Mercedes Bayne, and her four-year-old child. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, April 8, began when a commercial truck allegedly lost debris onto the highway, causing traffic to slow.
Investigators believe the vehicle carrying Mercedes Bayne and her child swerved to avoid the debris or the slowing traffic. This maneuver caused the vehicle to cross the center median and impact Trooper Brake's patrol car. Trooper Brake, who served nearly two decades with the OHP, is survived by his wife and two children. The crash site has been designated a crime scene as the investigation continues.
The Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office expressed condolences to Trooper Brake's loved ones and colleagues. The OHP is directing donations for Trooper Brake's family to the DPS Federal Credit Union, cautioning against unofficial GoFundMe accounts. The truck involved in the incident has since been identified, and further details regarding the investigation are pending.
