GUTHRIE, OKLAHOMA — A commercial truck driver has been arrested on two counts of first-degree manslaughter after hitting a Jeep at the intersection of Highway 33 and South Broadway in Guthrie Thursday morning, killing both the driver and passenger — at a crossing residents say has been dangerous for years and that transportation officials have been planning to fix since 2022.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the crash occurred around 9:40 a.m. A Jeep turning eastbound onto Highway 33 from northbound South Broadway was struck on the driver’s side by a commercial truck. The driver of the Jeep, Elizabeth Rozon, 70, of Edmond, and her passenger, Jenny Killough, 64, of Oklahoma City, both died. The truck driver, identified as Ralph Wallace, 48, was taken to a Guthrie hospital and investigated for impaired driving. Following the investigation, Wallace was arrested on complaints of first-degree manslaughter.
A Long-Problematic Intersection
The deadly crash renewed attention on an intersection that residents and nearby business owners say has been a hazard for years. In 2022 ODOT announced plans to add turn lanes at the intersection following a spike in crashes. Four years later, the agency said Thursday the project will go out for bid in October and construction could begin in early to mid-2027. The estimated cost is $2.4 million.
Bruce Shearon, who has lived near the intersection for seven years, said the layout of the intersection, nearby hills, and drivers making quick turns create dangerous conditions. He wants more visible warnings including illuminated signs and additional pavement markings in the meantime.
Nearby business owner Noshad Kasem said he has witnessed crashes and close calls at the intersection since 2018. “Drivers frequently speed along the corridor and misjudge turns,” he said, adding he wants speed-alert signs installed while the larger project moves forward.
ODOT said transportation projects require traffic and environmental studies, design work, public input, and funding before construction can begin.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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