Fatality Collision in Payne County

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported a fatality collision occurred about 7:28 p.m. Friday on SH51 westbound, about 4 miles west of the Stillwater city limits in Payne County, OK.

The patrol said the accident involved a 2013 Dodge Challenger driven by Christopher Machae Tucker (SIC), 30, of Yukon, OK. Tucker was treated on the scene.

The second vehicle involved was a 2007 Nissan Frontier driven by Larry Duane Sams (SIC), 83, of Stillwater, OK. Sams was transported by ambulance to Stillwater Medical Center in good condition with head and arm injuries.

A passenger in Sams’ vehicle, Phyllis Ann Sams (SIC), 81, of Stillwater, OK was pronounced dead on the scene, then transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Oklahoma City.

The Highway Patrol’s report stated that Tucker’s and Sams’ vehicle were westbound, Tucker’s vehicle struck Sams’ vehicle in the rear. Sams’ vehicle departed the roadway right and struck a tree. The report notes an odor of alcohol on Tucker. The cause of the collision is attributed to inattention. Seatbelts were equipped in both vehicles, in use in Tucker’s vehicle, but only in use by the passenger in Sams’ vehicle.

Investigated by Trooper Anthony Harper #239 of the Payne County detachment. Assisted by Trooper Steffon Williams #587 and Trooper Todd Punneo #358 both of the Cimarron Turnpike detachment, Payne County Sheriff’s Office, Stillwater Fire Department, and LifeNet Ambulance.