Woman dies in crash on turnpike
An Edmond woman died in a New Year’s night traffic collision on the Turner Turnpike near Stroud and the driver of the other vehicle involved was arrested after she reportedly fled the scene.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Mat Conway identified the woman who died as Mercedes Tyler, age 21. Conway said she was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple injuries.
The driver of the other vehicle was identified as Candace Conley, 26, of Tulsa. She was transported by Trooper Conway to Stroud Regional Hospital, treated and released from the hospital.
According to Conway’s report, the fatal collision occurred about 7:23 p.m. Wednesday night, Jan. 1, four miles west of Stroud on the Turner Turnpike in Lincoln County at mile marker 175 westbound.
Conley was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe and Tyler was driving a 2008 Nissan Versa, the trooper said.
The trooper reported both vehicles were westbound and Conley was driving her Tahoe at a high rate of speed and her vehicle struck the rear of the Nissan driven by Tyler.
Tyler’s car left the roadway, overturning multiple times and Tyler was ejected from her car, the trooper said.
He stated that Conley continued westbound in her vehicle for approximately five miles before it left the roadway to the right, fully engulfed in flames.
Conway reported Conley left the vehicle, fleeing for about half of a mile before Lincoln County deputies apprehended her.
The report states cause of the fatal collision is still under investigation and condition of the driver at the time of the accident remains under investigation.
Whether seatbelts were in use is still under investigation, Conway reported. Airbags were equipped and deployed on both vehicles, he said.
Conway of the Traffic Homicide Investigation Division was assisted by Trooper Matt Ledbetter of the Traffic Homicide Investigation Division, Trooper Ian Rozier, Trooper Darren Potter, Trooper Stephen Spencer, of the Turner Turnpike Troop YB, Trooper Andy McNew and Trooper Wayne Linzey of the Kilpatrick Turnpike Troop YE, Lt. Chris Liles and Trooper Lisa Jorgensen of Troop A.
He was also assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department and Stroud Fire Department.