Crash Claims McAlester Man

The Associated Press

CHECOTAH, OK -- Authorities suspect alcohol may have played a role in a one-car crash south of Checotah that killed a McAlester man and critically injured a woman.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says 51-year-old Mitchell Henry died at the scene of the crash about 5 p.m. Friday southeast of Checotah. A passenger in Henry's car, 49-year-old Karla Willard of Stigler, was in critical condition at a Tulsa hospital with numerous injuries.

The patrol says Henry was southbound on a McIntosh County road when his car ran off the road and rolled several times. The OHP reports neither occupant was wearing their seat belt, and both were ejected from the car.

Troopers also noted an odor of alcohol and say excessive speed contributed to the crash.