One dead in fiery crash Save Email Print
Posted: 6:55 PM Aug 3, 2008
 Last Updated: 9:48 PM Aug 3, 2008
 Reporter: KXII-Staff
Email Address: firstnews@kxii.com
24 comments
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PUSHMATAHA COUNTY, OK -- A Texas man is dead after a fiery collision in Pushmataha County. It happened Friday around 1:30 pm on the Indian Nation Turnpike, north of Antlers.

Authorities say Lawrence D. Cameron, 47 of Sulphur Springs, Texas was stopped at a tollbooth when he was hit from behind by a tractor trailer driven by Richard Sears, 70.

The trailer then dragged Cameron and the 1997 Harley Davidson motorcycle another 76 feet, rupturing the fuel tank and causing a big explosion. Cameron died at the scene due to massive injuries.

Parts of the road were closed down.

Sears, a South Carolina resident, was transported to Pushmataha Hospital with head and arm injuries. He is listed in stable condition.

A third car, driven by Tyning Edwards, 44 of Kansas City, MO was also involved. Troopers say Edwards was stopped to pay the toll in front of the motorcycle and tractor trailer. Edwards's car was pushed into a ditch, but she was not injured.
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Posted by: Amy Location: Minnesota on Aug 13, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Larry was a dear, dear friend of mine and I am just heartbroken about this. Whenever we talked, an hour would slip by before you knew it. He always brightened my day and had a special place in my heart. My prayers go out to his children, grandchildren and family.
Posted by: SE Location: Bryan on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:10 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss. We lost my brother on his motorcycle, he loved the ride and we still ride for the love of it also. It is very scary at times, people don't pay attention like they should. Regardless of what happened with the driver here it is tragic. Your family will be in my prayers, may God bless you and give you strength. So sorry.
Posted by: Thumblelina Location: Highway 53 & Powers RD on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:17 PM
My darling son-in-law, Eric was killed by a 74 year old man, who pulled out in front of his motorbike in 2001. In spite of many people, even the his funeral, coming forward to say this old man was a dangerous driver. The Highway Patrol officers refused to charge him with reckless driving. He had the habit of driving very slowly and pulling onto HWY 53 very slowly in front of people. The day he killed my Eric, he pulled out into the middle of the road, leaving Eric nowhere to escape the front of his old flatbed Chevy. Killing the father of my 1 year old granddaughter and devastating our family! To the poor man here, I fully understand the familys' grief and anger. Frustration with the cops etc. Watch out for bikers please!
Posted by: Cameron Location: omaha, NE on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:42 AM
I lost a beloved brother-in-law and good friend in this accident. Our family is not bitter and does not wish the truck driver ill will - we are assured that Larry is in the presence of God and has never been more alive! But we are broken-hearted for ourselves, for his children and grandchildren, and for his countless friends. He was precious to us and will be missed beyond what I can express. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Rush Location: Washington on Aug 5, 2008 at 05:16 PM
70 is not old? Anymore? What the heck do you mean? I thought 70 was ten more than 60? I don't get it. Just because YOU think your dad drives good, well, that don't mean it...
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 02:55 PM
70 is not old anymore. my dad is 64 and he is a very good driver. so dont knock this guy because he's 70, its not all that old these days.
Posted by: Amanda Location: Antlers on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:28 AM
regardless of the drivers age...he was going way to fast in the wrong lane and that caused an innocent mans death...totally uncalled for..god bless all the family and loved ones involved...our prayers are with you
Posted by: Someone Location: Durant on Aug 5, 2008 at 09:12 AM
You know I have to agree I am not so sure it's a good idea for these older people to be driving a rig. We have this one guy who comes up from Houston to haul our containers down to the port for us. He is so old that he has a hard time signing his name on the paperwork. I gurantee you he has way slow reflexes and it is dangerous. I pray for this family.
Posted by: john Location: denison on Aug 5, 2008 at 07:31 AM
I think uneed2growup has some good points he could have had a heart attack or stroke or somthing don't jump the gun and hang him yet sh%@ happens some time to good people. Judge not lest ye be judged yourself
Posted by: c. cameron Location: Nebraska on Aug 5, 2008 at 01:21 AM
This was my uncle. the man was suspected to be suspended from driving at the time due to a disability. and any driver that can not tell which lane he is in (he meant to be in the EZ pass lane, which explains why he did not slow down) should not be on the road regardless of age. My cousin (the riders son) said that they are looking into a criminal investigation because he was not supposed to be driving. Thank you to everyone that is praying for our family.
Posted by: KK Location: Sherman on Aug 4, 2008 at 11:37 PM
Peace out to a fellow rider. God bless him & his friends and family. What else can can be done to get everyone to be more aware of riders? Anyone that rides a motorcycle has to assume that anyone and everyone driving is out to get you. With more people riding bikes due to gas prices...everyone must make a point to watch out for the riders. Pay attention, we ride because we love it and we get 3 times the gas mileage!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:10 PM
I feel horrible for all the accidents lately!!
Posted by: Amanda Location: Antlers on Aug 4, 2008 at 08:10 PM
how about vehicular manslaughter...this is terrible...i dont see how he could not be charged...he was even in a lane that said cars only no trailers!!!!
Posted by: uneed2growup Location: texas on Aug 4, 2008 at 07:59 PM
fuscion we can tell your not bright. but keep talking so the world will know. The 70 year old driver might have had a heart attack. something a 20 year old driver can have happen. If the youngesters would work and not expect the state to take care of their kids maybe older americans could actually retire at 65.but 65% of the kids between 18 and 30 expect their parents to raise their kids, so older americans have to stay working to pay for these kids.
Posted by: Fusion Location: S.S. on Aug 4, 2008 at 01:24 PM
"x"; How can you come on here and say that you admire the 70yr old driver of the rig? All of his family and All of his friends, including myself are suffering BC of that drivers negligence. I'm not saying that the 70yr old shouldn't have been driving BC of his age, however, he did take a dear friends life and left many who loved him behind. I believe we have a purpose and I also believe in forgiveness, But at this time, admiration of the driver that killed a wonderful Christian, a great friend and a fellow rider is not what we are looking for in your sympathy. Thank you
Posted by: Fozzy Location: Ardmore on Aug 4, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Physically and in some part mentally the driver had to pass a test every two years to be able to drive. this is tragic in a lot of ways, but there is nothing malicious in the accident. There could be many factors in the reason the driver did not see the toll booth and everything else. There is no excuse of course and the driver and his company are probably not going to see the end of this any time soon. The only thing the driver can be charged with is inattentive driving.. unless of course the driver was operating while impaired or was operating outside the hours of service.. ten this become criminal.
Posted by: Mildred Location: Durant on Aug 4, 2008 at 11:35 AM
My prayers to all involved. There are too many wrecks. I dont know why these keep happening. Its very frightening and no one knows when their time is up. Blessings to all.
Posted by: JP on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:36 AM
I think whatever the reason he failed to see the motorcyle, I hope he will be charged. My friend lost her boyfriend, his kids lost their father and his grandchildren lost their grandfather b/c of his neglect.
Posted by: Dookey Location: Shermboro on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Just goes to show that old farts shouldn't drive. Or, at least be tested every year, imo.
Posted by: This is awful Location: sherman on Aug 4, 2008 at 08:38 AM
He flat out ran over one person on a motorcycle and pushed the car in front of the bike into a ditch! How can 'x' admire a 70 year old possible senile person driving an 18 wheeler? He killed someone at a TOLL booth!
Posted by: Tuffy D Location: Atoka on Aug 3, 2008 at 09:48 PM
WOW, this driver must have went to sleep, however 1:30 in the afternoon would not be thought as a bad time to drive, would it? The victim on the bike, and the car was in a pay lane, not the tru-pass. I also am a bit concerned about a 70 year old driving. I would think this might be more than an accident, maybe some criminal responsibility is attached here!!!!
Posted by: x on Aug 3, 2008 at 09:31 PM
I admire him for still driving at 70 one cannot live off SS alone he may have been in better health than a lot of us
Posted by: db Location: sherman on Aug 3, 2008 at 09:26 PM
no doubt he "didn't see the motorcycle"...70yrs old,probably didn't see the tollbooth,either.
Posted by: Educated Location: Bells on Aug 3, 2008 at 07:47 PM
I think 70 years of age is to old to be driving a tractor trailer. Slower reflexes, eye problems, medical problems are just a few ideas.
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