Tulsa Soldier Dies In Wreck On I-44

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- A Tulsa man is dead after slamming into the back of a tractor-trailer on I-44 Friday night, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The accident happened just east of Catoosa in Rogers County at about 11 p.m.

OHP troopers say Tike Danson Alford Chapman, 26, died when the 2004 Dodge he was driving rear-ended a tractor trailer, driven by Mattan Ugas, 39.

A family friend tells The News On 6 Chapman had served two tours of duty in Iraq and was scheduled to return later this year. He was home visiting his kids when the accident happened.

Troopers say a tire on Ugas' trailer blew out and he was trying to move to the shoulder when Chapman slammed into the back of his vehicle.

Chapman was pinned inside the vehicle for more than an hour. Two children in his car, 6-year-old Jeremiah Chapman and 4-year-old Isiah Chapman, were taken to St. Francis hospital in Tulsa in fair condition, according to troopers.

Ugas was not injured.

Troopers say seat belts were in use in both vehicles.

The Will Rogers Turnpike at mile marker 244 was partially closed for several hours as crews cleaned up the accident scene.