Overview
- The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says debris fell onto I-35 between Britton and Hefner on Wednesday late morning, leading driver Mercedes Bayne to swerve across the cable barrier and collide with Trooper Vernon Brake, killing Bayne, her 4-year-old child and Brake.
- OHP released a photo of a truck of interest and asked anyone who drove near Hefner Road from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. to share dashcam video or tips at 405-425-2323.
- Investigators have classified the site as a crime scene and are working to determine whether the pictured truck lost part of its load or stopped to help clear debris.
- Law enforcement held a procession Wednesday to the medical examiner’s office and escorted Brake’s body Thursday to a funeral home as state leaders, including the governor, offered condolences and a moment of silence.
- Brake served nearly 20 years with OHP, including commercial vehicle enforcement, highlighting how unsecured or fallen cargo can trigger deadly chain reactions on high-speed roads.