OHP Identifies Teen Killed In Wreck With School Bus Near Claremore

The OHP identified the teen as Whitney Westmoreland, 18, of Claremore.

According to the OHP, the wreck happened at 8:17 a.m. about four miles east of Sequoyah High School in Rogers County. 

Troopers said Westmoreland was driving a 2000 Jeep Cherokee eastbound on East/West 450 Road when she ran off the pavement to the right. The OHP said she over-corrected causing the SUV to slide into the path of the school bus which struck it on the passenger side.

Westmoreland was the daughter of a Claremore Sequoyah teacher. The OHP said she was wearing a seat belt and the Jeep's airbags deployed.

Claremore Sequoyah School Superintendent Dr. Terry Saul issued the following statement:

"This accident has hit our school and community right in the heart.  We are focusing on our people.  We are comforting and counseling with students and employees as needed.  Our school and community are close.  They are strong and will be here for this family, our young people and each other.  We will all spend time in grief for the loss of this young person and for the family and start the process of healing our school and community."

The OHP says 42 students were on the bus. It says 40 of them weren't hurt, but two received minor head injuries. The district sent another bus to pick up the students and take them to school.