Duke Public School mourns loss in community

Duke Public Schools is mourning the loss of the spouse of a teacher, a teenager, and a child who died in a crash Thursday night. The school canceled parent-teacher conferences Friday and said counselors will be available for students and staff beginning Monday.

Authorities said the crash happened east of Duke, killing Landreth J. Emswiler, 36, of Mountain Park, Gilbert C. Davis, 64, and Sherri J. Sexton of Gould along with a 17-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl. An 8-year-old boy was critically injured.

In a message on Facebook, the school thanked the community for its support.

"Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for Duke School and our community. The school is closed today for a scheduled day off. Beginning Monday, counselors and pastors will be available for the students and staff as needed."

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections confirmed Emswiler was a corporal at Oklahoma State Reformatory.

"Our thoughts are with Cpl. Emswiler’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. Services are currently pending," ODOC wrote online.

A benefit dinner is planned for Sunday to help with funeral and medical expenses for the family. The dinner will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Duke Community Center. An account has also been set up at Farmers and Merchants Bank in Duke for the Emswiler family. Donations can be sent via Cash App to $BeverlyEmswiler or through PayPal at @BeverlyEmswiler.