Oklahoma Highway Patrol seeks public’s help after crash kills trooper, mother and child

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is seeking public assistance in its investigation of a triple-fatal crash that occurred Wednesday afternoon on I-35 near Hefner Road in Oklahoma City.That crash claimed the lives of Trooper Vernon Brake, 36-year-old Mercedes Bayne and her 5-year-old daughter. Lt. Mark Southall of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said, "A vehicle traveling southbound on I-35, at some point, swerved to avoid an incident that unfolded in front of them. She crossed the center cable barrier, striking our trooper." Bayne and her daughter were among the victims. Friends described Bayne as strong in her faith. "She was a great mom to her children, loved her kids, she had a contagious smile," said Pastor Bryon Akerman of The Church OKC. Brake, who was well-known for his volunteer work with the Cavett Kids Foundation, was also remembered fondly. Ashley Simpson, the foundation’s executive director, shared her reaction to the news. "I answered the phone and knew something was wrong. And another trooper friend of ours, Trevor, had called to let me know Vernon had been in an accident and had not made it," Simpson said. Simpson, who had known Brake for 10 years, described him as "the absolute gentle giant.""He was just anything to bring joy to the kids. From serving as a camp counselor, he loved to take kids tubing, out on the lake, doing the activities with them, he loved pulling pranks at camp," Simpson said. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is asking anyone who drove along I-35 near Hefner Road between 11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to provide dash camera footage or any other information that could assist in the investigation. While the agency has not disclosed details about the debris that fell from the truck involved, they confirmed that the driver has been cooperative.