An Oklahoma family’s world was forever changed after a crash last August that claimed the life of their 11-month-old daughter, severely injured their older daughter, and left them grappling with immense loss.
Derrick and Stephanie, along with their two young daughters, were on their way home to Meeker when they became victims of a crash caused by an impaired driver.
The Tragic Crash
According to investigators, the family’s vehicle was stopped when it was rear-ended by an impaired driver traveling at high speed.
The collision set off a chain reaction that propelled the family’s vehicle into an intersection, where it collided with a semi-trailer.
“We were shoved into the intersection where we hit a semi-trailer so hard that we broke an axle and blew out a front tire,” Stephanie explained.
The crash resulted in the tragic death of the family’s 11-month-old daughter, Natalie Jade, as well as their dog. Their older daughter, Madalynn, survived but sustained a severe traumatic brain injury, which has left her confined to a wheelchair.
“As far as being your typical three-year-old, she’s not that anymore,” said Stephanie. “Losing my girl was hard enough and losing who Madalynn was has been really difficult.”
Emergency Response and Medical Care
The family was rushed to OU Health’s Level 1 Trauma Center in Oklahoma City, where a coordinated team of specialists worked swiftly to stabilize multiple critically injured patients.
Dr. Alyssa Cross, the Adult Trauma Medical Director at OU Health, explained, “That’s what we’re prepared for, are dealing with multiple injured patients at a time. We have the luxury of having multiple subspecialties in-house 24/7.”
Despite the severity of their injuries and the family’s devastating loss, Madalynn continues to make progress, showing moments of her former self.
“Even though she’s not who she used to be, you can see glimpses of her in there,” Stephanie said. “She’s still sassy. She still rolls her eyes.” Derrick added, “She fights every day. Each and every day she shows up, she does what she can, she’s making good progress.”
The Driver and Legal Proceedings
The driver responsible for the crash, Michael Figueroa, is facing serious legal charges. Investigators say Figueroa rear-ended the family’s vehicle at about 75 miles per hour, and he is charged with first-degree manslaughter and two counts of DUI causing great bodily injury. A plea and sentencing hearing for Figueroa is scheduled for July.
Family’s Message and Call to Action
The family is sharing their story not only to honor their daughter Natalie Jade but also to highlight the importance of coordinated Level 1 trauma care and to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. “Don’t drink and drive,” Stephanie pleaded. “Don’t do this to another family.”
Despite the pain and challenges, the family remains committed to helping others understand the profound impact of impaired driving and the importance of making responsible choices behind the wheel.
