POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY, OK — A deadly crash early Thursday morning at the intersection of US-177 and Tucker Road has left one person dead and another in critical condition, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP).
The incident occurred around 4:42 a.m. when a white 1998 Ford Explorer, driven by 30-year-old Wyatt Slaughter, was traveling northbound on US-177. Investigators say Slaughter was passing vehicles in the oncoming lane when his vehicle struck the trailer of a white 2021 Ford F-350 driven by 32-year-old Ismael Moulaye Soumare. Neither driver sustained injuries in the initial collision.
Following the impact with the trailer, the Ford Explorer collided with an orange 2002 Honda GL1800 motorcycle operated by 76-year-old James Michael Ray. Ray and his passenger, 56-year-old Janice Marie Olson, were reportedly ejected from the motorcycle upon impact.
Both motorcycle riders were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash. Ray was transported to OU Medical Center with trunk and head injuries and was admitted in critical condition. Olson was also taken to the hospital but was pronounced deceased by OU Medical Trauma.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
