Local News
Victims Killed in Fiery Wrong-Way Crash on I-40 in Canadian County Identified
CANADIAN COUNTY, Okla. — Four young people were killed in a devastating wrong-way crash early Friday morning on Interstate 40 in Canadian County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Authorities identified the victims as 20-year-old Kiercy Hickson of Stillwater, 19-year-old Quincy Jones of El Reno, 18-year-old Haliegh Salazar of El Reno, and 18-year-old Brad Palmer of El Reno.
Investigators said the crash occurred around 12:30 a.m. near Czech Hall Road when a vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 collided head-on with another vehicle carrying the four victims.
According to Lt. Mark Southall with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, troopers had received reports of a vehicle driving the wrong direction on I-40 moments before the collision occurred.
“Our troopers received a call of a vehicle traveling the wrong direction on I-40,” Southall said. “Troopers were responding to the area when they came upon the collision scene.”
Authorities said the wrong-way vehicle struck the victims’ car head-on in the inside lane, causing a violent impact that ignited one of the vehicles in flames.
The wrong-way driver was identified as 26-year-old Michael Cruz of Tennessee. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
Investigators said evidence at the scene suggests alcohol may have contributed to the crash.
“We do believe alcohol did play a factor in this,” Lt. Southall said, noting that empty alcohol containers and other indicators of impairment were found inside the suspect vehicle.
The crash remains under active investigation as authorities continue reconstructing the events leading up to the deadly collision.
The deaths of Quincy Jones, Brad Palmer, and Haliegh Salazar have deeply impacted the El Reno Public Schools community.
School officials released a statement mourning the loss of the recent graduates.
“Quincy, Brad, and Haliegh were valued members of the ERPS family whose lives touched countless others through their friendships, spirit, and presence within our schools and community,” the district said.
Officials confirmed Quincy Jones and Brad Palmer were members of the Class of 2026, while Haliegh Salazar was part of the Class of 2025.
Counseling and support services are being made available for students, staff, friends, and families affected by the tragedy.
Interstate 40 remained closed for more than four hours while emergency crews extinguished the fire, investigated the crash scene, and cleared debris from the roadway.
Traffic has since resumed in the area.
Authorities said a complete investigation report will eventually be submitted to the district attorney’s office as troopers continue working on behalf of the victims and their families.
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.