A tragic crash in Oklahoma City on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of three people, including an Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) trooper and a young child. The incident occurred on April 8, 2026, on I-35 and is under investigation by OHP’s Traffic Homicide Unit.
The crash took place at approximately 11:27 a.m. when a southbound vehicle lost control, crossing the center cable barrier into oncoming traffic. The out-of-control vehicle struck Trooper Vernon Brake, who was traveling in the northbound lanes at the time.
Fatalities in the Crash
Trooper Vernon Brake, who had served with the OHP for nearly 20 years, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. He had been assigned to Troop S, which focuses on commercial motor vehicle enforcement. Along with Brake, the driver of the southbound vehicle and a four-year-old child passenger were also killed in the crash.
OHP spokespersons confirmed that the driver and child, both of whom were in the southbound vehicle, were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Details of the Incident
According to OHP Trooper Mark Southall, the southbound vehicle appeared to have swerved to avoid debris that had been lost by a commercial vehicle earlier on the roadway. “At some point, a commercial motor vehicle lost some type of equipment or load or some type of debris onto the roadway,” Southall explained.
While it remains unclear whether the driver was swerving to avoid the debris directly or the traffic slowdown caused by it, Southall emphasized that the accident was likely the result of this unforeseen obstruction on the highway.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Assistance
OHP’s Traffic Homicide Unit is currently investigating the crash and has called for public assistance in locating the commercial vehicle that may have dropped the object onto the highway. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact OHP Communications at 405-425-2323.
Trooper Brake’s Legacy
Trooper Vernon Brake’s death marks a tragic loss for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. He dedicated nearly two decades of service, focusing on enforcing commercial motor vehicle safety. His passing serves as a somber reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face while serving and protecting the public.
