OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has located the commercial truck believed to be connected to the chain of events that killed OHP Trooper Vernon Brake, motorist Mercedes Bayne, and a 4-year-old child on Interstate 35 Wednesday morning. The truck driver is cooperating with investigators and is considered a valuable witness, OHP said on April 9.
Background
The crash occurred at 11:27 a.m. on April 8 on northbound I-35 between Britton Road and Hefner Road in Oklahoma City. A southbound vehicle is believed to have swerved to avoid debris shed by a commercial vehicle, crossed the center cable barrier, and struck Trooper Brake traveling northbound. All three — Brake, Bayne, and the 4-year-old passenger — were pronounced dead at the scene.
Trooper Brake was a graduate of the 56th OHP Academy in 2006 and had served with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for nearly 20 years. He is survived by his wife and two children. OHP’s Traffic Homicide Unit is leading the investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the crash on I-35 at approximately 11:27 a.m. on Wednesday is asked to call OHP Communications at 405-425-2323.
Statements From Officials
Governor Kevin Stitt said: “I want to take a moment to honor the life and service of Trooper Vernon Brake, who was killed in the line of duty today. For nearly 20 years, Trooper Brake served Oklahoma with integrity and dedication, and we are forever grateful for his sacrifice. Sarah and I are praying for his wife, children, and all those affected by this loss. We are also lifting up in prayer the woman and young child who lost their lives in this incident as well.”
Senator James Lankford said: “Cindy and I are praying for everyone impacted by the tragic crash on I-35. We are heartbroken over the loss of Trooper Vernon Brake and the innocent lives taken, including a child.”
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said: “Wendy and I are devastated over the tragic loss of Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Vernon Brake and two other individuals today. May God have mercy and give comfort to the family members and friends these three leave behind.”
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said: “Trooper Vernon Brake passed today while on duty in Oklahoma City. We are grateful for his service to the people of Oklahoma City. We send our deepest condolences to his family, as well as the family of those in the other vehicle involved in the accident.”
The Tulsa Police Department said: “Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of one of our brothers in blue, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Vernon Brake, who was killed in the line of duty this morning. Trooper Brake was a dedicated public servant who was just months away from celebrating 20 years of service to the state of Oklahoma. We also grieve for the lives of the young woman and the 4-year-old child who were lost in this same devastating incident.”
Additional statements of condolence were issued by the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Edmond Police Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Broken Arrow Police Department, and the Glenpool Police Department.
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