OSU Homecoming Suspect, Injured Band Mom Both From Oologah

Sheri Bates is one of the victims who was critically injured when a driver crashed into Homecoming Parade crowds in Stillwater Saturday. She lives and works in Oologah, the same community where the suspect - Adacia Chambers - grew up. 

People who know both families say it's a Homecoming heartbreak for everyone involved.

Sheri Bates has worked at Lakeside State Bank for nearly a decade. The bank lowered its flag to honor her and the other victims. While her co-workers and customers are missing her, the suspect's boyfriend said he doesn't understand how the accident happened.

Jesse Gaylord said he's known Adacia Chambers since high school. He said they were childhood sweethearts. He went to court with Chambers Monday and said he doesn't believe she was under the influence of anything.

"I know there is no way she was drunk or impaired. No drugs whatsoever - she just wasn't that type of person," he said.

Special Coverage: OSU Homecoming Tragedy

Gaylord said he started dating Chambers when they both went to Oologah High School and that she's not the monster she's being made out to be.

"She's one of the kindest, soft spoken person you'd ever meet," Gaylord said in a news conference.

Sheri Bates, still in critical condition, lives in Oologah. Steve Savage is the CEO of Lakeside State Bank. He works just down the hall from Bates. He said everyone is missing her warm personality, and all day, customers have been asking how she's doing.

"This morning every customer that's come in has asked about Sheri, everyone seems to know what happened and everyone is concerned," Savage said.

He said it's a lot to take in, and in moments like this, it's best to just pray.

"You have to allow enough time for the facts to come in and for people not to pre-judge," he said. "It sounds like just a horrific accident; I think the voice of reason is lets find out what really happened here."

The bank has set up a fund called the Sheri Bates Benefit Fund for anyone who wants to donate. The family also has established a GoFundMe account.

10/24/2015 Related Story: Oologah Students Witness Band Parent Hurt In Stillwater Tragedy