KAY COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) – Three University of Oklahoma meteorology students died Friday evening when their automobile was struck by a semi-truck on their approach dwelling from chasing extreme climate in Kansas.
“It’s just so sudden,” mentioned Brayden Siau, an OU meteorology pupil and shut pal of the three victims. “They’re just gone, I really don’t know… It’s awful.”
Siau informed KFOR Nicholas Ok. Nair, 20, of Denton, Texas, Gavin A. Short, 19, of Grayslake, Ill., and Drake H. Brooks, 22, of Evansville, Ind., couldn’t have been extra thrilled to be masking Friday evening’s storms.
“They had a great day. They call their parents after and we’re telling them about how excited they were,” mentioned Siau. “Drake actually saw his first tornado yesterday.”
However, the evening took a devastating activate their trip again to Norman.
The three students had been touring in a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan, heading south on I-35 in wet climate, when at roughly 11:23 p.m. the automobile hydroplaned, misplaced management and went off the precise aspect of the street. The automobile reentered the street to the left and have become disabled, blocking the surface lane, Oklahoma Highway Patrol officers mentioned.
“Before they could exit their vehicle, a semi came along in the rain and struck them broadside in the interstate,” mentioned Lt. Phillip Ludwyck, with OHP.
All three younger males had been pinned for roughly 5 hours and 26 minutes contained in the Volkswagen. Tonkawa Fire and EMS officers freed their our bodies from the wreckage. They had been pronounced useless on the scene.
“It’s just heartbreaking to think we lost three very talented young men. Our hearts and our prayers, just as an agency and as Oklahomans, goes out to the families,” mentioned. Lt. Luckwyck. “You know, they lost sons in just a tragic, tragic accident.”
An OU official launched the next assertion relating to the students’ demise:
“The university is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of three students. Each were valued and loved members of our community. At this time, we ask the public to respect the privacy of their families.”
– MACKENZIE SCHEER, OU DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS
The University’s School of Meteorology additionally posted this assertion on its social media pages:
OU’s pupil produced and run newscast, OU Nightly, additionally expressed their condolences posting, in half:
(*3*)
– OU Nightly
Siau informed KFOR pals of the three victims are planning to carry a candlelight vigil on the National Weather Center. The precise day and time has not been set but.
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