Tulsa, OK (June 17, 2026) – A 44-year-old woman lost her life after a pedestrian crash on the L.L. Tisdale Parkway in Tulsa on Saturday afternoon.
According to police, emergency units were called to the southbound lanes of the parkway near Apache Street at approximately 3:17 p.m. on Saturday, June 13. Upon arrival, they found Crystal Large lying in the roadway. A black Toyota Camry involved in the crash was stopped on the shoulder nearby.
Large was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses remained at the site and provided statements to investigators. Based on preliminary information, police said Large emerged from behind yellow barrels and concrete safety barriers in the center median before stepping into southbound traffic, where she was struck by the approaching Camry.
The driver remained at the location following the collision. No arrests were made, and no charges had been filed as of the latest update.
Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and review the circumstances surrounding the crash. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Crystal Large’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Why Median Barriers and Work Zone Features Can Affect Pedestrian Visibility
Roadways with concrete barriers, traffic-control devices, and construction-related features can create visibility challenges for both drivers and pedestrians. These objects are often used to guide traffic safely through active work zones or areas undergoing maintenance.
When a person enters a travel lane from behind barriers or other large objects, motorists may have only a moment to recognize the hazard and react. The available reaction time can be affected by vehicle speed, traffic volume, lighting conditions, and the distance between the driver and the pedestrian when visibility is restored.
High-speed corridors present additional concerns because stopping distances increase as speed rises. Even attentive drivers may have difficulty avoiding a person who suddenly appears in a traffic lane.
Crash reconstructions frequently examine roadway design, sightlines, barrier placement, and witness observations to better understand how pedestrian and vehicle movements aligned in the moments before a fatal roadway collision.
