Fatality Collision in Payne County

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported a personal injury collision occurred about 6:11 a.m. Friday State Highway 33, approximately 0.1 miles west of Karsten Creek, 8.1 miles west of Perkins in Payne County, OK.

The patrol said the accident involved a 1998 Ford Mustang driven by Joe Gandara (SIC), 56, of Cushing, OK. Gandara was pronounced dead at the scene from head and trunk internal injuries, by LifeNet EMS.

The second vehicle involved was a 2001 Ford F-150 Pickup driven by Jesus Gutierrez (SIC), 37, of Edmond, OK. Gutierrez was transported by LifeNet EMS to Integris Hospital of Edmond.

The Highway Patrol’s report stated Gandara’s vehicle was westbound on SH 33. Gutierrez’s vehicle was eastbound on SH 33. For an unknown reason Gandara’s vehicle crossed the centerline striking Gutierrez’s vehicle head-on. Gandara was pinned for approximately 2 hours and was freed by Coyle Fire Department. Seatbelts were equipped and in use in both vehicles. The condition of Gandara at the time of the accident is currently unknown. The condition of Gutierrez was apparently normal. The cause of the accident is attributed to being left of center.

Investigated by Trooper Brian Conaghan #224 of the Payne County Detachment of Troop K. Assisted by LT Owen #178, LT Lay #177, LT Gunkel #63, Payne County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Tribal Police, Coyle Fire Department, and LifeNet EMS.

This report is based on the troopers investigation of this collision, it may contain the opinion of the trooper.