Fatality collision reported in Kay County

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that a fatality collision occurred at about 2:35 p.m. Friday on I35 southbound near the 232 mile marker, approximately 2 miles north of Braman, OK in Kay County.

The patrol said the accident involved a 2005 Volvo Semi driven by Martin Vardanyan (SIC), 46, of Glendale, CA. Vardanyan was not injured.

The second vehicle involved was a 2010 Jeep Wrangler driven by Juan Garcia-Castillo (SIC), 45, of Stanley, ND. Garcia-Castillo was transported by Medical Helicopter to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS, where he was admitted in critical condition with head, trunk internal, and leg injuries.

A passenger in Garcia-Castillo’s vehicle, Yamile Villalpando Rodriguez (SIC), 40, of Stanley, ND was transported by Medical Helicopter to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS, where she was admitted in stable condition with head and trunk internal injuries.

A second passenger in Garcia-Castillo’s vehicle, a 14 year old juvenile whose name has been withheld, also of Stanley, ND was pronounced dead at the scene due to fatal injuries sustained during the collision.

The Highway Patrol’s report stated that Vardanyan’s vehicle and Garcia-Castillo’s vehicle were traveling southbound in the outside lane of Interstate 35. Vardanyan’s vehicle was traveling behind Garcia-Castillo’s vehicle. Vardanyan’s vehicle struck Garcia-Castillo’s vehicle from behind. Garcia-Castillo’s vehicle departed the roadway and overturned. All three occupants of Garcia-Castillo’s vehicle were ejected. Seatbelts were reportedly equipped and in use in Vardanyan’s vehicle, not in use in Garcia-Castillo’s vehicle. Airbags were not equipped in Vardanyan’s vehicle; airbags were equipped but did not deploy in Garcia-Castillo’s vehicle. The report indicates that the condition of both drivers, as well as the cause of the collision, are still under investigation.

Investigated by Trooper Trent Cagle #380 of the Traffic Homicide Unit. Assisted by: Lt. Matthew Ledbetter #138 of the Traffic Homicide Unit, Lt. Phillip Ludwig #155, Trooper Adam Beck #700, and Trooper Josh Kelle #493 of Troop K. Trooper Tanner Beckner #620 of Troop S (Size and Weights Division). The Kay County Sheriff’s Office. The Braman Fire Department.

This report is based upon the trooper’s investigation of this collision. It may contain the opinion of the trooper.