Oklahoma City, OK (April 8, 2026) – Three people, including a highway patrol trooper, were killed Wednesday, April 8, in a crash along northbound I-35 between Britton Road and Hefner Road. Emergency units were called to the scene shortly before 12 p.m. following reports of a serious collision involving multiple vehicles.
Preliminary information indicates that debris fell from a vehicle traveling southbound on I-35. The debris caused the driver of a small SUV to lose control and swerve across the cable barrier. The SUV then entered the northbound lanes, where it struck a highway patrol trooper.
The impact led to a fatal outcome for three individuals involved. Officials confirmed the trooper, the female driver of the SUV, and a 4-year-old child all died as a result of the crash. The trooper has been identified as Vernon Brake, who had served for nearly two decades and was a graduate of the 56th academy class in 2006. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
How Highway Debris and Sudden Lane Changes Can Lead to Severe Crashes
Highway crashes involving debris often begin with a sudden, unexpected road hazard. When objects fall onto active lanes, drivers may react quickly by braking or swerving to avoid impact. These split-second decisions can sometimes lead to a loss of vehicle control.
On divided highways, cable barriers are designed to reduce cross-median movement, but high-speed impacts can still result in vehicles crossing into opposing traffic lanes. When this happens, the risk of multi-vehicle collisions increases significantly.
Driver reaction time, road speed, and traffic density all influence how severe the outcome becomes. Even small objects on the roadway can create dangerous conditions when visibility is limited or when traffic is moving at high speeds.
