YUKON, OK, (May 22, 2026) – An 18-year-old recent high school graduate and football standout was among four people killed early Friday in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 in Yukon, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Authorities identified one of the victims as Brad Palmer, who was preparing to attend Langston University in the fall. Investigators said Palmer and three friends were traveling eastbound near Czech Hall Road at approximately 12:30 a.m. when their vehicle was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver. All four occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol identified the suspected wrong-way driver as a 26-year-old man from Memphis, Tennessee. Officials believe alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash, and charges are expected once the driver is released from the hospital.
Friends and family remembered Palmer as an energetic and uplifting person known for his dancing, athletic ability, and positive personality. He excelled in football and powerlifting and was described as someone who made people smile. Palmer was raised by his grandmother after his birth mother died from complications related to bone cancer.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Palmer’s family following the tragedy.
El Reno Public Schools issued a statement mourning the loss of the students and offering condolences to their loved ones.
“Our hearts are heavy as we grieve alongside their families, friends, classmates, teachers, and all who knew and loved them,” the statement read in part. “(They) were valued members of the ERPS family whose lives touched countless others through their friendships, spirit, and presence within our schools and community.”
The crash remains under investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
