Leach, OK (November 29, 2024) – A tragic single-vehicle crash early Friday morning in Delaware County has left one person dead and another injured. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) reported that the incident occurred around 2:16 AM on Scenic Highway 412, just south of E 550 Road. According to OHP, the 2002 Chevy Tahoe, driven by 20-year-old Thomas Charles Potts, drifted off the roadway to the right. After overcorrecting to the left, the vehicle crossed the center line, veered off the road again, and hit a ditch. The Tahoe overturned, coming to a stop on its driver’s side.
Both Potts and his passenger, 19-year-old Jacob Aaron Cole, were ejected from the vehicle. Potts was pronounced dead at the hospital, while Cole sustained internal injuries and is in stable condition. Neither individual was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the OHP.
Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, and we extend our deepest sympathies to them during this difficult time.
Single-Vehicle Accidents in Oklahoma
This tragic accident in Delaware County is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by not wearing a seatbelt and the potential consequences of overcorrection in a vehicle. Single-vehicle crashes, especially those involving rollovers, can often result in severe outcomes, as seen in this case. The fact that both individuals were ejected from the vehicle emphasizes the critical importance of seatbelt use, as wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the risk of ejection during a crash.
Oklahoma’s rural highways, like Scenic Highway 412, can be particularly hazardous, especially in the early hours when visibility is low and drivers may be fatigued or distracted. The investigation into the cause of this crash will likely focus on these and other factors, but it’s clear that this was a preventable tragedy.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a similar accident, it’s important to seek professional advice to understand your legal options. For more updates on this incident and other accidents in the region, visit Local Accident Reports.