Poteau Man Killed In Overnight Crash

Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers say alcohol may have played a role in an overnight crash that killed a Poteau man and injured two others.

The single-vehicle wreck took place at 1:23 a.m. Sunday on U.S. 271 just north of Lloyd Road in LeFlore County.

Troopers say Richard Kunze was southbound on the state highway when his 2004 Dodge left the roadway to the right, crossed back over the highway and ran off the road to the left. The vehicle rolled and hit a tree.

The 32-year-old Kunze was thrown about 50 feet and pronounced dead at the scene.

Two passengers, 33-year-old William Dunigan and 21-year-old Ralph Elmore, were both treated and released at a LeFlore County hospital.

The investigating trooper said there was a smell of alcohol at the scene, and the cause of the crash is listed as driving under the influence.

Elmore was the only one wearing a seat belt, according to a collision report.