Oklahoma Highway Patrol Seeks Public’s Help Following Fatal I-35 Crash

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Seeks Public’s Help Following Fatal I-35 Crash

Oklahoma City — The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) is urgently asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a truck of interest connected to a tragic crash that claimed the lives of three people, including veteran OHP Trooper Vernon Brake, 36-year-old Mercedes Bayne, and Bayne’s 4-year-old child.

According to investigators from the OHP Traffic Homicide Unit (THU), the crash occurred on Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026, at approximately 11:27 a.m. on Interstate 35. Officials believe Bayne was traveling southbound when she attempted to take evasive action to avoid debris, equipment, or possibly other vehicles that had come to a stop in her lane. In doing so, Bayne’s vehicle crossed over the center cable barrier and struck Trooper Brake, who was traveling northbound. All three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.

The OHP released a photograph of a truck that had stopped on I-35 near the crash site. Investigators are seeking information to determine whether this truck may have lost part of its load or was simply stopped to assist with clearing debris from the roadway. Identifying this vehicle is considered critical in helping authorities understand the circumstances that led to the fatal incident.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is asking anyone who may have seen the truck, the crash, or any unusual activity on I-35 around the time of the incident to come forward. Witnesses are urged to contact the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Communications Center at 405-425-2323 with any information, no matter how minor it may seem.

Trooper Brake, who served nearly 20 years with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, dedicated much of his career to commercial motor vehicle enforcement. He is survived by his wife and two children. The loss of Trooper Brake, along with Mercedes Bayne and her young child, has left the Oklahoma City community grieving and searching for answers.

OHP investigators continue to work diligently to piece together the events leading up to the crash. Officials emphasized that public cooperation is essential in helping law enforcement determine the full sequence of events and hold accountable any parties who may have contributed to the tragedy.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reminds all drivers to exercise extreme caution on highways, especially in areas where debris or unexpected obstacles may be present. The loss of life in this incident underscores the dangers that can arise in an instant and the importance of community vigilance in preventing future tragedies.