Patricia “Shea” James, 28, died in a fiery solo crash early Saturday near the busy junction of Interstate 35 and Interstate 40 in Oklahoma City, authorities confirmed in a preliminary report from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
James was driving north on I-35 just before daybreak when her car suddenly veered off the roadway while in the left lane and slammed into a concrete barrier wall near the interchange that stitches together two of the region’s busiest highways. Moments after the impact, her vehicle burst into flames. Troopers later found her inside the wreckage and pronounced her dead at the scene.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has revealed that James was the only person in the vehicle at the time of the crash and that no other cars were involved in the incident. News from investigators also indicated she was not wearing a seatbelt when the crash occurred. Beyond these initial findings, troopers have not publicly identified what caused her vehicle to leave the roadway.
The interchange where the crash happened connects I-35, which runs north-south through Oklahoma, with I-40, a principal east-west artery across the state. That intersection is known for heavy traffic and complex merges, especially during early morning and evening commutes.
Friends and family have begun sharing memories of James on social media, remembering her as warm-hearted and full of life. Those close to her described her death as a shock and a heartbreaking loss, leaving a community grappling with the sudden tragedy. Messages spoke of her kindness and the bright presence she brought to those around her.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol officials said they are continuing a thorough investigation into the crash to better understand the events leading up to James’s vehicle striking the barrier. As standard practice in fatal collisions, investigators will examine roadway conditions, vehicle data, and other relevant evidence as part of the inquiry.
Traffic on both interstates was slowed for several hours as first responders extinguished the fire and cleared the scene. Drivers in the area that morning reported heavy congestion and delays around the interchange, a routine bottleneck for commuters.
James’s death adds to a long list of fatal collisions on Oklahoma’s highways, underscoring ongoing conversations about road safety, seatbelt use, and highway design. As the Highway Patrol presses on with its work, James’s loved ones are left remembering her spirit and mourning a life cut far too short.
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