Vigil Held For Talala Teen Killed In Motorcycle Crash

A vigil was held Wednesday night for a Talala teen who died in a motorcycle crash in Rogers County Sunday night.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers said 18-year-old Tyler Rodgers crashed between Oologah and Talala on Highway 169 around 9:15 that night.

Wednesday, about 100 people gathered at the Oologah High School tennis courts to honor the star player. They lit candles, wrote messages of support for the family and released balloons in his memory.

The OHP said Rodgers was northbound on Highway 169 on a 2006 Honda motorcycle at a high rate of speed when he hit the brakes to avoid hitting another vehicle. Troopers said he lost control and was thrown from the  motorcycle.

8/9/2015 Related Story: Teen Killed In Rogers County Motorcycle Crash

According to troopers, his helmet came off during the crash.

Rodgers graduated from Oologah High School back in May.

5/16/2015 Related Story: Gesture Of Kindness Allows Two Oologah Boys To Participate In Graduation

Rodgers played on the Oologah tennis team and almost missed graduation because he was competing in the state tournament when school administrators decided to move up the ceremony to avoid the threat of storms. When he and a teammate were eliminated from the tournament, they arrived at the graduation ceremony in street clothes. Two teachers gave them their graduation gowns so the boys could receive their diplomas with the rest of the class.