TULSA, Tulsa County, Okla., Oct. 20, 2026 — A 63-year-old man died Monday morning, October 19, after a crash at 46th Street North and North 129th East Avenue, Tulsa police said. A second driver was hospitalized with injuries expected to be survivable.
Officers said the man, identified as Aaron Butler, was driving north on N 129th East Avenue around 6 a.m. when he attempted to turn west onto 46th Street North. A car headed east on 46th Street North reportedly could not stop in time and struck the driver's side of Butler's vehicle.
Firefighters worked to free Butler from his car before officers arrived at the scene, authorities said. Paramedics took him to a hospital, where he later died. The driver of the other car was also taken to a hospital and is expected to recover.
Tulsa Police Department's Advanced Traffic investigators are continuing to look into the crash. We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family, and we wish the injured driver a full recovery.
Local Crash Information for Tulsa, OK
The fatal crash was reported on N 129th East Ave in Tulsa. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Tulsa County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does seat belt use matter so much in a crash like this?
A seat belt keeps a driver in position and reduces the chance of being thrown into the steering wheel, door, or another vehicle during a side-impact collision, which can lower the severity of injuries.
What should families do after a fatal crash?
Families can request the official crash report once it's finalized, contact the investigating agency with questions, and reach out to local victim services for help navigating next steps.
How are fatal crashes like this investigated?
Specialized traffic units typically examine the scene, interview witnesses and involved drivers, review any available video, and reconstruct vehicle paths to determine how the collision occurred.
How long do fatal-crash investigations usually take?
Investigations can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the crash and whether additional evidence, such as toxicology results, is needed.
What to Do After a Crossing Crash in Tulsa, OK
If you're involved in a crash while turning across traffic, stay at the scene and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional, since some injuries from side-impact collisions aren't immediately obvious. Exchange information with the other driver, take photos of the vehicles and intersection if it's safe to do so, and ask for a copy of the police report once it's available. For families dealing with a loss like this, Tulsa offers local victim advocacy resources that can help with everything from funeral planning to understanding the investigation process.