A tragic wrong-way crash in Canadian County has left four young people dead and a driver now facing serious criminal charges. The deadly collision happened early Friday morning on Interstate 40, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP).
Authorities say the crash could have been prevented.
What Happened on I-40?
Investigators said Kiercy Hickson, Brad Palmer, Haleigh Salazar and Quincy Jones were traveling eastbound on I-40 when a wrong-way driver struck their vehicle head-on.
All four victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
OHP identified the wrong-way driver as Michael Rosario-Cruz, 26. He was taken to a nearby hospital after the crash and is expected to recover.
Charges Filed Against the Driver
Rosario-Cruz has now been booked into jail and faces multiple charges.
Here is a breakdown of the charges:
| Charge | Details |
|---|---|
| Second-degree murder | 4 counts |
| DUI causing great bodily injury | 2 counts |
| Transporting an open container | Alcohol-related charge |
| Possessing firearm with altered ID | During commission of felony |
| Carrying firearms while under the influence | Firearm-related charge |
| Wrong way on one-way road | Traffic violation |
Authorities allege he was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
“No Excuse for Drunk Driving”
OHP Lt. Mark Southall described the crash as heartbreaking and said it did not need to happen.
He stressed that with modern ride-sharing options, there are more alternatives than ever to driving under the influence.
“There’s no excuse for drunk driving,” Southall said, pointing out that services like Uber can be requested within minutes through a mobile phone.
Law enforcement officials continue to urge drivers to:
- Call a ride-share service
- Use a designated driver
- Contact a friend or family member
- Avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking
Community in Mourning
The loss of four young lives has deeply affected families and the local community. Friends and loved ones are remembering the victims as vibrant individuals whose futures were cut short.
Wrong-way crashes are among the deadliest types of accidents because they often involve high-speed, head-on collisions. When alcohol is involved, the risk increases significantly.
Investigation Ongoing
The case remains under investigation. Prosecutors will review evidence including:
- Toxicology results
- Crash reconstruction reports
- Witness statements
- Physical evidence from the scene
As with all criminal cases, Rosario-Cruz is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
A Preventable Tragedy
Officials say this crash is a painful reminder of the consequences of impaired driving. Even a single decision to drive under the influence can permanently change multiple families’ lives.
Authorities continue to encourage drivers to plan ahead and make safe transportation choices. For the families of Kiercy Hickson, Brad Palmer, Haleigh Salazar and Quincy Jones, the impact of this tragedy will last forever.
