MARIETTA, Love County, Okla., Oct. 26, 2026 — Two people died Friday night, October 23, after a vehicle struck them while they were working on a trailer along southbound Interstate 35 in Love County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Troopers were called to the scene shortly before 8 p.m., the agency said. Investigators say a vehicle had pulled onto the outside shoulder so two people could perform maintenance and repairs on a trailer. While they were working, a driver from Nebraska hit the stopped vehicle.
One of the two people killed has been identified by officials as 37-year-old John Gravelle. The name of the second victim has not been released.
The crash remains under review. Our sympathies are with the families of everyone who lost their lives.
Local Crash Information for Marietta, OK
The fatal crash was reported on I-35 in Marietta. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Love County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does impairment factor into many fatal crashes?
Yes. Alcohol or drug impairment is a factor in a large share of fatal crashes nationwide, affecting reaction time and a driver's ability to recognize hazards like a stopped vehicle on the shoulder.
Where do fatal crashes happen most often?
A large share of fatal crashes occur on highways and rural roads, where speeds are higher and there is less time for drivers to react to stopped or slow-moving vehicles.
What makes a crash more likely to be deadly?
Higher speeds, larger vehicle size differences, and limited reaction time all raise the chance that a crash will be fatal rather than survivable.
How does speed affect whether people survive a crash?
The faster a vehicle is traveling at impact, the more force is involved and the less likely occupants or people outside the vehicle are to escape serious or fatal injury.
What to Do After a Roadside Crash in Marietta, Oklahoma
If you or someone else is ever performing roadwork or vehicle repairs on a highway shoulder, turn on hazard lights and set up reflective triangles or flares well behind the vehicle if you have them. Move as far from traffic as possible while waiting for help. After any roadside collision, call 911 immediately and stay clear of moving lanes until law enforcement arrives. Anyone involved, even if they feel uninjured at first, should be checked by a medical professional, since shock can mask pain from impact. Get the responding agency's report number and contact information for any witnesses, since that documentation can matter later for insurance or other follow-up.
