OHP Investigating Cause Of Crash That Killed Bristow Student And His Dad

We're learning new details about a car crash that killed a 14-year-old Bristow middle school student and his dad.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but state troopers said the driver's family told them the man may have experienced a medical problem.

Lieutenant Mark Southall said 66-year-old Estle Roach drove off highway 48 near 341st Street, just south of Bristow shortly before 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon and hit a tree.

Both Roach and his 14-year-old son in the pickup were killed.

"It was a very strong impact. A high-speed impact with a very strong, stout tree," said Lt. Mark Southall, OHP.

Bristow Public Schools released a statement, saying they are "deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our middle school students and his father which were in a single car accident that occurred late yesterday afternoon. Counselors will be on site to assist with grief counseling as needed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family."

"Anytime we lose a child here in Oklahoma or anywhere for that fact, it's hard cause that's a lot of years left to live that we've missed out on, and there's no telling what could've been done with those years that might've been left," said Lt. Southall.

State troopers said Roach and the teenager were pinned for about two hours while firefighters worked to remove them.

"That's an intricate process that requires a lot tools, a lot of know-how, and a lot of manpower, so I know they did the best they could to try to extricate the victims as quickly as possible," said Lt. Southall.

Southall said Roach had some medical issues in the past and that may have contributed to the crash.

"When we compare that to what we saw at the scene, they do tend to line up," said Lt. Southall.

Troopers said the 14-year-old was wearing a seatbelt, but Roach was not.

OHP said the Medical Examiner's report will give them a better idea of what exactly happened.

Southall said it's important that drivers are healthy and safe.

"Maybe taking the proper medications we should be taking or getting the amount of help we need medically to make sure that we're safe behind the wheel," said Lt. Southall. "If you or one of your family members suspects that they might be having some type of medical issue, that's something that can be reported, and we can do a drivers license review and make sure that they're strong enough and medically equipped to drive."