OHP Trooper, Mother, and Child Killed in Fiery I-35 Crash

Families mourn tragic loss as investigation into debris-related incident continues

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:11pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the devastation of a tragic highway accident.The fiery aftermath of a multi-vehicle crash on I-35 exposes the human toll of highway safety issues.Oklahoma City Today

A devastating multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 in Oklahoma City has claimed the lives of an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper, a 36-year-old mother, and her 4-year-old daughter. The incident occurred when the mother's SUV crossed the median and collided with the trooper's vehicle, with all three individuals pronounced dead at the scene.

Why it matters

The tragic loss of life has shaken the local community, with the mother being a resident of a nonprofit organization supporting single mothers and their children. The crash has also raised questions about highway safety and the role of debris or equipment dropped by commercial vehicles in causing such devastating accidents.

The details

According to investigators, the mother, Mercedes Bayne, was driving southbound on I-35 with her daughter, Ariana, when she lost control of the SUV in an attempt to avoid debris or equipment dropped by a commercial vehicle ahead of her. Bayne's SUV then crossed the center divider and struck the northbound vehicle of OHP Trooper Vernon Brake, resulting in the deaths of all three individuals.

  • The incident occurred just before 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • On Thursday, April 9, 2026, OHP announced that the driver of the commercial vehicle believed to be involved had been identified and was cooperating with the investigation.

The players

Mercedes Bayne

A 36-year-old mother and resident of The Vine, a ministry of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children that offers housing and support for single mothers and their children.

Ariana

The 4-year-old daughter of Mercedes Bayne who was killed in the crash.

Vernon Brake

An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper who had served with the agency for nearly 20 years, graduating from the academy in 2006 and serving in Logan and Oklahoma counties.

Jesse Jimenez

The father of Ariana who has organized an online fundraiser to cover funeral expenses for his child and Mercedes Bayne.

Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children

A nonprofit organization that operates The Vine, a ministry that offers housing and support for single mothers and their children.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are at a loss for words & hurting. Ariana had the most bright and joyful personality & will be in our hearts forever & ever.”

— Jesse Jimenez, Father of Ariana

What’s next

Investigators are continuing to gather information and evidence to determine the exact cause of the crash, including the role of any debris or equipment dropped by a commercial vehicle. The driver of the commercial vehicle has been identified and is cooperating with the investigation.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the importance of highway safety and the need for vigilance in maintaining clear roads, as well as the devastating impact that such accidents can have on families and communities. The loss of a dedicated state trooper, a young mother, and her child has left a profound mark, underscoring the importance of supporting single-parent families and addressing the factors that can contribute to these types of devastating crashes.