Crash Involving Suspected Drunk Driver Puts Tulsa Woman In A Coma

A Tulsa woman is in a coma after being hit by a suspected drunk driver in the early morning after Thanksgiving.

The woman's family is afraid she may never recover. Stephanie Cortez, the woman's daughter is worried she may never hear her mother's voice again and is frustrated no arrest has been made.

Cortez says a suspected drunk driver who was driving far over the speed limit has forced her to make the kind of choice no daughter should have to make.

"[Doctors] say you can disconnect her, and she will have a faster you know passing. Or you can let her live, if God allows for her to survive. But it'll be painful because she will feel every inch of pain," Stephanie said.

Leticia Cortez-Lopez was on her way home from work, less than five minutes from home when she was hit.

Stephanie got a call that morning from friends and nurses saying her mother was in critical condition with a traumatic brain injury.

"Know that my mom was unconscious in a bed. It's something that I wish on nobody," she said. "She will be in a coma for a while, maybe years, maybe months, maybe weeks."

Until then Stephanie is left with photos and memories.

"You'll learn what it is to appreciate the memories, you'll learn what it is to appreciate your mother because you only have her once," Stephanie said.

She wants justice for her mother - but she also hopes this story serves as a lesson for all drivers.

"You have to really think twice before you grab that wheel," she said.

The other driver was taken to the hospital and released.

It is common for suspected drunk drivers involved in crashes with injuries to be given a blood test then charges filed after the blood test results come back from the lab.