Winter storm claims another Oklahoman

<br>(Undated-AP) -- A winter storm that blanketed Oklahoma with snow and ice has claimed another victim. <br><br>The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says Kris J. Scala, 38, of Okarche died at 8 p-m on Christmas

Wednesday, December 25th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Undated-AP) -- A winter storm that blanketed Oklahoma with snow and ice has claimed another victim.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says Kris J. Scala, 38, of Okarche died at 8 p-m on Christmas Eve following a snow-related mishap in Kingfisher County.

Troopers say Scala was helping to free a pickup truck that was stuck in snow. He was standing on the rear bumper trying to rock the vehicle out when he slipped and struck his abdomen on the tailgate.

Scala complained of injuries and was driven to a local hospital, where he died. Troopers say Scala sustained a ruptured spleen in the accident.

His death was the fourth reported fatality related to the winter storm.