Muldrow Police Chief Tony Lewis reported that Glenda Karther, 48, was transported to Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith, Ark., following the accident. She was later transferred by helicopter to Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, where she was initially listed in critical condition with multiple injuries. Lewis said Karther died at about 2:30 p.m. Friday.
The crash occurred at about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday on U.S. Highway 64 east of Muldrow. Alyssa McPeak, 18, of Muldrow was traveling westbound in a 2006 black Jeep Liberty when she reportedly crossed the center lane, went across the turn lane and struck Karther's 1999 Oldsmobile Alero.
After the impact, the Jeep spun around 180 degrees and stopped facing east in the eastbound lane, Lewis said. Karther's vehicle was deflected toward the south, ending up in a ditch.
McPeak and Karther were pinned in their vehicles, as well as Karther's son, who was the only passenger in her vehicle. Lewis said the Muldrow Fire Department Rescue division responded to the accident, using the Jaws of Life to free the trapped occupants.
Lewis said the investigation revealed that McPeak's vehicle did cross left of center. Police suspect McPeak was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Police found different alcoholic beverages in the vehicle, and McPeak had an odor of alcohol on her, Lewis said.
McPeak was arrested at the scene and was transported to Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith, Ark., where she was treated and released. Lewis said McPeak had no major injuries. McPeak was later booked into the Muldrow City Jail for driving under the influence and being a minor in possession of alcohol.
Lewis reported Friday afternoon that a first-degree manslaughter charge is expected to be filed against McPeak next week.
Two passengers in McPeak's vehicle, an 18-year-old male and female, whose names were not released, were also injured. The female was treated for minor cuts and abrasions and released at the scene. The male has a spinal injury, Lewis said.
Her son, Karl Karther, 31, was taken to an area hospital. His injuries are unknown, Lewis said.
Lewis said witnesses told police that they observed McPeak's vehicle before the accident traveling at a high rate of speed.
"It was definitely a devastating crash," Lewis said, noting that since it was a head-on collision the speed of both vehicles is combined.
Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash, and all the airbags deployed in both vehicles.
Office E.T. Bowden investigated the collision.
