A heartbreaking tragedy has left communities across Oklahoma mourning after four young people were killed in a devastating wrong-way crash early Friday morning on Interstate 40 in Canadian County. The violent collision claimed the lives of 20-year-old Kiercy Hickson of Stillwater, 19-year-old Quincy Jones of El Reno, and 18-year-olds Haliegh Salazar and Brad Palmer, both of El Reno. Families, friends, classmates, and teachers are now grieving the sudden loss of four young lives filled with promise and potential.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash happened 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 victims. Lt. Mark Southall said troopers had received reports of a wrong-way driver moments before the deadly crash occurred. Authorities said troopers were responding to the area when they arrived at the collision scene.
Investigators 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 nearby hospital in critical condition following the crash. Authorities also revealed that evidence at the scene suggests alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the deadly collision.
Lt. Southall stated that troopers discovered empty alcohol containers and other indicators of impairment inside the suspect vehicle. The crash remains under active investigation as officials continue working to reconstruct the events leading up to the tragedy. Authorities said a complete report will eventually be submitted to the district attorney’s office as investigators continue gathering evidence and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The deaths of Quincy Jones, Brad Palmer, and Haliegh Salazar have deeply impacted the El Reno Public Schools community. School officials released an emotional statement mourning the loss of the recent graduates and offering condolences to their families. Officials confirmed that Quincy Jones and Brad Palmer were members of the Class of 2026, while Haliegh Salazar belonged to the Class of 2025. Counseling and support services are now being offered to students, staff, and loved ones affected by the devastating loss.
Interstate 40 remained closed for more than four hours as emergency crews extinguished the fire, investigated the crash scene, and cleared debris from the roadway. Although traffic has resumed, the emotional pain left behind remains overwhelming for the families and communities now forced to say goodbye to four young people taken far too soon. As Oklahoma mourns this tragic loss, many are remembering Kiercy Hickson, Quincy Jones, Haliegh Salazar, and Brad Palmer for the lives they lived, the friendships they shared, and the futures they should have had ahead of them.
