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Teen Driver's 100mph Crash Kills Passenger
4 Apr
Summary
- An 18-year-old driver lost control at 100mph, killing a passenger.
- Alcohol and speed were likely factors in the early morning crash.
- The driver, Om Patel, had prior speeding tickets before the accident.
A violent crash on March 22 in Platte City, Missouri, claimed the life of 18-year-old high school senior Tessa Walker. The BMW M4, driven by 18-year-old Om Patel, reportedly reached 100mph before flipping and catching fire. Patel, along with three other passengers, sustained injuries but survived the incident. Investigators are considering alcohol and speed as likely causes, with the crash occurring after the group left an 18th birthday party.
Questions have arisen regarding the purchase of the high-horsepower BMW M4, valued at $93,695, by Om Patel's parents. The vehicle, capable of reaching 191mph, was gifted to Om on his 16th birthday. Notably, Om Patel had a prior speeding ticket from June 2025 and another moving violation in August 2025, indicating a pattern of fast driving.
Tessa Walker, a straight-A student and athlete, was expected to graduate and attend Northwest Missouri State University. Her father, Drew Walker, is mourning the loss of his daughter, who also lost her mother six years prior. The Platte County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation, with potential charges including involuntary manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.
Om Patel's family, including his parents Amarkumar and Heena Patel, are financially successful, owning a contracting firm and multiple hotels. The family resides in a $1.3 million home in Riverside, Missouri. Om's older brother, Rudra Patel, also had a prior citation for street racing. The investigation findings are expected to be sent to the county prosecutor for consideration of criminal charges.
