• January 13, 2023

Osage County, OK — January 12, 2023, 48-year-old Bradley Prather died in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer on County Road 2130 in Osage County.

Authorities say the incident happened around 3:00 p.m. on CR 2130, a few minutes west of Avant. Preliminary investigation suggests Prather was driving a Ford F-350 pickup east on the roadway when he allegedly crossed over the center line for unknown reasons. The Ford then crashed head-on with a westbound 18-wheeler.

Prather, allegedly not wearing a seat belt, was trapped for some time in the pickup before being pronounced dead at the scene. The big rig driver was unhurt.

The investigation is ongoing. No further information is currently available.

If reports have the general details of this incident correct and the victim crossed over the center line, then clearly one of the key facts still to learn is precisely why that happened. Some may quickly jump to their own conclusions, but it's important to consider all the possible ways a vehicle might veer out of control—many of which would be out of its operator's hands. It's only fair to ensure the whole story is learned, as the victim can't tell his side of it.

That's why it's best that investigators take the proper time and care here and look at every source of data they can find. What does the data from the vehicle's Electronic Control Module say? Do debris analysis and tire markings give a more accurate picture of what occurred? Would forensic analysis find any malfunctions or defects in the Ford? Did it blow a tire? Did the big rig have a dashcam that recorded the moments leading up to the collision? Were there any witnesses?

All those potential sources of information must be rigorously checked to get the facts. That's important after any crash, but rarely is it more urgent than when someone loses their life for unclear reasons. That man's family likely has many questions still, so I hope authorities will make every effort to bring them the answers they deserve.