A 39-year-old McAlester man died after his motorcycle left a Latimer County road and slammed into an electric pole, snapping it in half. Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers identified the rider as Tyler Perrymore and said he was traveling eastbound on Highbridge Road.
According to KOKI FOX 23, Perrymore's motorcycle left the roadway before striking the pole, which broke in half from the force of the impact. Troopers notified Perrymore's next of kin following the crash on Saturday. The cause of the crash has not been determined, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol's investigation remains ongoing.
The crash occurred on Highbridge Road in Latimer County.
Other Fatal Crashes in Latimer County
Earlier this fall, 83-year-old Wilburton resident Kay Quinn was killed when the vehicle she was riding in collided with another car turning onto U.S. 270 near Southwest 110th Road, as previously reported by Hoodline in its coverage of the Wilburton crash. In September, 18-year-old Eastern Oklahoma State College student Ethan Girdner died in a separate Latimer County crash after a vehicle struck a deer and crossed into oncoming traffic, according to KFSM-TV 5NEWS.
Open Questions Around Speed, Mechanics and Helmet Use
Investigators have not said whether mechanical failure, road conditions or speed contributed to the crash, and that determination remains pending as the Oklahoma Highway Patrol continues its probe. It's also unclear whether Perrymore was wearing a helmet. Oklahoma law requires helmets only for motorcycle operators and passengers under 18, meaning adult riders like Perrymore are legally permitted to ride without one under Oklahoma Statutes Title 47, Section 12-609, according to the McGuire Law Firm.
Oklahoma Traffic Deaths Fell in 2024
Total traffic deaths in Oklahoma fell from 711 in 2023 to 645 in 2024.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has not released additional details about what led Perrymore to leave the roadway, and the investigation into the crash continues.
