Four young people, three of them from El Reno, were killed in a crash early Friday involving a wrong-way driver along Interstate 40.

Reports from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the accident occurred near Czech Hall in Yukon around 12:30 a.m. 

The three El Reno teenagers killed were Quincy Jones, 19, Brad Palmer, 18, and Haleigh Salazar, 18

 Also killed was the driver, 20-year-old Kiercey Hickson from Stillwater.

The driver of the wrong-way vehicle was taken to Integris Baptist Hospital in critical condition. 

El Reno Public Schools Superintendent Matt Goucher and high school principal Tim Pounds said Palmer and Jones were part of the Class of 2026 that just graduated last Saturday. Goucher said Salazar was an early graduate and part of the Class of 2025.

“This is absolutely the worst thing for a school district to have to go through. Our heart goes out to the parents and the families of the students. I can’t even imagine how they’re feeling.

“We as a school district are just torn apart,” said Goucher.

OHP said troopers were notified of a driver going the wrong way on the interstate near Mustang Road. Reports indicate the driver was traveling west in the eastbound lanes.

OHP said shortly after receiving the reports, the vehicle crashed into the car carrying the four people near Czech Hall Road. OHP said the two vehicles caught fire following the collision.

According to OHP, the four people inside the vehicle were all pronounced deceased at the scene. 

OHP said the driver of the vehicle that was traveling in the wrong direction, is identified as 26-year-old Michael Salomon Rosario-Cruz, of Memphis, Tn., 

The crash is under investigation. OHP said all involved in the accident were wearing seat belts. 

Despite being on summer break, Goucher said the district will have counselors available for any student in need of support.

Statement from El Reno Public Schools
Issued Friday, May 22

El Reno Public Schools mourns the heartbreaking loss of three beloved recent graduates, Quincy Jones, Class of 2026, Brad Palmer, Class of 2026, and Haliegh Salazar, Class of 2025, who tragically passed away last night in an automobile accident.

Our hearts are heavy as we grieve alongside their families, friends, classmates, teachers, and all who knew and loved them. Quincy, Brad, and Haliegh were valued members of the ERPS family whose lives touched countless others through their friendships, spirit, and presence within our schools and community.

During this time of profound sorrow, we extend our deepest condolences and prayers to all those affected by this unimaginable tragedy. We ask our community to come together in compassion, support, and remembrance as we honor the lives and memories of these young individuals.

Counseling and support services will be available for students and staff in the days ahead. El Reno Public Schools will continue to keep the families and loved ones of Quincy, Brad, and Haliegh in our thoughts and prayers.