KINGFISHER COUNTY, Okla. — A tragic and unusual accident on Thursday afternoon claimed the life of 36-year-old Brandon Friday of Yukon, leaving friends, family, and the local community in shock. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) is now appealing for public assistance as investigators work to understand exactly how the fatal incident unfolded.
According to OHP, the crash occurred between 2:00 and 2:15 p.m. along State Highway 33, near N2960 Road in Kingfisher County. Preliminary reports indicate that Friday was driving westbound when a large piece of wood suddenly broke loose from a vehicle traveling ahead. The debris flew backward and struck through the windshield of Friday’s vehicle, fatally injuring him on impact.
Authorities say the tragedy could have been even worse if not for the heroic actions of a passenger, who managed to grab the steering wheel and safely bring the vehicle to a stop after Friday was struck. Emergency crews arrived shortly after the distress call, but despite their efforts, Friday was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials identified the driver of the vehicle hauling the wood as 45-year-old Roberto Lopez Perez, of Enid, who remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is urging anyone with dashcam footage or additional information to contact investigators. In particular, troopers are asking for help from those who may have been driving in the area at the time, including the driver of an activity bus seen traveling westbound ahead of Friday’s vehicle. Authorities believe video from that bus could provide crucial evidence in reconstructing the events that led to the deadly incident.
The loss of Brandon Friday has deeply impacted both Yukon and Kingfisher County. Friends and family have described him as a kind, generous, and hardworking man who loved helping others and could brighten any room with his humor and warmth. In the wake of his death, social media has filled with emotional tributes, with loved ones expressing their heartbreak and sharing fond memories of the man they affectionately called “B.”
As the investigation continues, OHP officials are emphasizing the importance of securing all loads before traveling, noting that unsecured debris can quickly turn deadly on high-speed roadways. They extend their condolences to the Friday family and encourage anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact the Northwest Regional Communications Center at 580-234-6147.