Local News
24-year-old Russell Lathrup killed in high-speed motorcycle crash at Catoosa intersection
CATOOSA, Okla. — A high-speed motorcycle crash in Catoosa late Thursday night claimed the life of 24-year-old Russell Troy Lathrup II, according to local authorities.
The fatal collision occurred at a busy intersection after the rider allegedly ran a red light at extreme speed.
According to the Catoosa Police Department, Lathrup was traveling northbound on 193rd East Avenue at an estimated speed exceeding 100 miles per hour when he entered the intersection against a red signal.
Investigators say the motorcycle appeared to have “laid down” moments before impact, ultimately colliding with an eastbound SUV that was legally proceeding through the intersection on a green light.
Emergency responders, including an Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) trooper, arrived quickly at the scene and initiated lifesaving efforts. Despite those attempts, Lathrup was pronounced dead at approximately 10:29 p.m.
The driver of the SUV sustained non-life-threatening injuries, primarily related to airbag deployment, and was transported to a Tulsa-area hospital as a precaution.
Authorities revealed that prior to the crash, Lathrup had been traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 412 at speeds reportedly exceeding 120 miles per hour.
An OHP trooper briefly attempted to initiate a traffic stop; however, Lathrup accelerated away after initially slowing on an exit ramp.
Officials confirmed that the trooper discontinued the pursuit, turning off emergency lights and sirens before the crash occurred.
Approximately eight seconds after the pursuit was terminated, Lathrup entered the intersection at 193rd East Avenue, where the fatal collision took place.
Investigators also noted that Lathrup was operating an unregistered 1988 Honda Hurricane motorcycle that did not display a license plate.
He was reportedly wearing a helmet and protective gear at the time of the crash.
The incident remains under investigation as authorities continue to review the circumstances leading up to the fatal crash.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.