OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The wife of an Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) trooper killed earlier this month in the line of duty is suing a trucking company and a driver.
According to report from the Trucker on April 5, a vehicle traveling southbound on I-35 lost control for an unknown reason and crossed the center cable barrier.
The vehicle struck Trooper Vernon Brake, who was traveling in the northbound lanes just south of Hefner Road in Oklahoma City.
Brake was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the other involved vehicle, along with a four-year-old passenger, was also pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to reporting from KWTV, Brake’s wife, Melissa Brake is suing for negligence.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, as reported by KWTV, traffic cones fell off a commercial trailer, slowing traffic. Investigators say Bayne swerved, possibly to avoid the debris, and crossed the median, striking Trooper Brake. Authorities say the truck continued driving but was later identified.
Melissa Brake is specifically suing Matthews Trenching Co. in Oklahoma City and driver Harley Gene Rousseau.
KWTV reported that the lawsuit seeks actual and punitive damages totaling more than $75,000, along with additional costs and interest.
The crash is still under investigation.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
