The Oklahoma Department of Public Safey is investigating the Monday afternoon accident that left an Oklahoma Turnpike Authority employee dead.
It was on the I-44 or Will Rogers Turnpike near Missouri when a tractor-trailer drifted off the highway and struck and killed Zachary Rhinehart, 36, of Vinita as he was afoot collecting debris.
The Highway Patrol released a statement, ““This was a preventable tragedy,” the release stated. “Nothing is more important than focusing on what is happening in front of you and around you while driving. A single moment of distraction can cost lives and change families forever.
The men and women who maintain and protect our highways are our partners. OTA crews are always quick to provide assistance when we call, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol values the strong connection we share with them in serving the public. The troopers who work alongside these crews on the turnpikes will deeply feel this loss.”
Senator Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, issued the following statement regarding the heartbreaking loss of Oklahoma Turnpike Authority employee and Vinita volunteer firefighter Zachary Rinehart, who was killed Monday afternoon while working along the Will Rogers Turnpike near Miami.
“I am heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of Zachary Rinehart, an Oklahoma Turnpike Authority employee, volunteer firefighter and dedicated public servant. Zac was performing the vital, and often dangerous, work of keeping our roads safe when he was struck and killed by a semi. He was not only an OTA worker, but a proud member of the Vinita Fire Department and the Craig County Technical Rescue Task Force. I extend my deepest condolences to Zac’s family, friends, colleagues and his brothers and sisters in the firefighting and first responder communities. This is a profound loss for Craig County and all northeastern Oklahoma.
“I also want to extend my prayers for Colton Armstrong, the second OTA employee injured in the incident. We are hopeful for his recovery and stand ready to support him and his loved ones in any way we can.
“This tragedy is a painful reminder of the risks faced every day by those who serve the public on our roads and highways. I urge all Oklahomans to remain vigilant, drive responsibly and remember that every person working along our roadways are out there performing a duty and please slow down for their safety.”
Click here for KOCO News