A Lone Grove community is mourning the loss of a 16-year-old student and athlete after an ATV crash last Wednesday afternoon in Carter County, while authorities also investigated several other vehicle collisions across the region that left multiple people injured.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Lone Grove High School student Cade Turpin, 16, was killed June 17 in a crash involving two ATVs and a Jeep on Timber Road south of Lone Grove. Turpin was identified in a kxii.com article.
Troopers said the crash happened shortly before noon when two juveniles riding ATVs were traveling east on Timber Road. One ATV slowed after the riders observed an approaching vehicle, and the second ATV struck the rear of the first ATV.
The impact caused Turpin, who was operating one of the ATVs, to be ejected from the vehicle. He was then struck by a westbound Jeep traveling on the roadway.
Turpin was transported to an Ardmore hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No other injuries were reported in the crash.
OHP officials said neither ATV rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. The driver of the Jeep was also a juvenile.
Lt. Walter Jack of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reminded ATV operators that safety equipment and proper operation are critical.
“Helmets should be in use, appropriate helmets for the conditions of the ATVs,” Jack said in the kxii.com article. “They should abide by all rules of the road, stay in their same lane of traffic, no reckless driving and typically they should have their lights on for safety.”
Crashes
Troopers also noted that ATVs generally are not permitted on public roadways except for agricultural purposes and encouraged riders who must operate near roadways to use proper lighting and safety equipment.
Lone Grove Public Schools released a statement Wednesday following Turpin’s death.
“We ask that you please keep this student’s family, friends, and Lone Grove Schools in your thoughts and prayers in the extremely challenging times ahead,” Superintendent Richie McKee said.
Turpin’s death was followed by several other crashes investigated by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in the area.
On June 17 at approximately 6:39 p.m., troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash at S.H. 1 and County Road 3610 in Pontotoc County.
According to OHP, a vehicle driven by 20-year-old Broadie-Ty Lindsey of Tupelo was northbound on County Road 3610 when it failed to yield at a stop sign and entered the path of a vehicle traveling eastbound on State Highway 19.
The two vehicles collided. Lindsey and the driver of the second vehicle, identified as 59-year-old Rhonda Cupps of Ada, were both injured. A passenger in Lindsey’s vehicle also suffered injuries. All occupants were wearing seat belts.
Earlier that afternoon, troopers investigated a pursuit-related crash in Marshall County.
The crash occurred around 12:46 p.m. on US-377 near Heck Road after a white 2001 Ford pickup was allegedly fleeing from Tishomingo Police Department.
OHP reported the pickup struck another vehicle during the pursuit before leaving the roadway and rolling. The driver, identified as 45-yearold Robert Earl Conner of Tishomingo, was ejected from the vehicle.
Conner was injured in the crash. Authorities reported the driver was not wearing a seat belt. A passenger in the pickup was not injured.
On June 18, another serious crash occurred in Pontotoc County on S.H-1E, east of County Road 3613.
Troopers said a vehicle driven by 34-year-old Zachary Mosley of Ada was traveling west when it crossed the center line and struck an eastbound vehicle driven by 45-year-old Milann Graham of Krebs.
Both drivers were injured and transported from the scene by Air Evac. Both drivers were reported to have been wearing seat belts.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said all crash information was preliminary and subject to change as investigations continue.
