Erin Van Horn, 40, Zach Van Horn, 10, Beck Kitterman, 11, and Lizzie Edwards, 13, killed in collision involving semi truck on I-35 near Purcell, Oklahoma

Modified Date: 
Sun, 10/30/2022 - 10:18am
Accident Date: 
Monday, July 17, 2017

2 Dead, 5 Injured After Crash On NB I-35 South Of Purcell

So far, four medical helicopters have been requested at the scene of the five-vehicle crash, including a semi, on the northbound side of Interstate 35, near mile marker 91.

3 killed, 4 hurt in crash on I-35 in Oklahoma

The highway patrol says the SUV's driver, 40-year-old Erin Van Horn of Tulsa, was killed in the collision along with a 10-year-old boy and an 11-year-old boy who were passengers in her vehicle. Three other children were taken to an Oklahoma City hospital in critical condition while a 7-year-old girl was treated and released from a hospital in Purcell. 

Jenks Community Devastated After Crash Kills Woman, Children

The families are well-known in the Jenks community, and tributes are being made on social media.     

Fourth Crash Victim From Jenks Dies

Jenks Public Schools will have grief counselors at their middle school Wednesday, this after a Jenks parent and three students died after a crash near Purcell.

Hundreds Gather In Jenks To Pray, Remember Lives Lost In Crash

It's a somber night in Jenks as the community remembers the lives of three children and a mother who died when their SUV crashed into the back of semi-truck. A lot of the community is expected to be at the prayer vigil which will be led by Jenks football coach Allan Trimble.     

Hundreds Say Goodbye To Jenks Crash Victims

The funeral for Erin Van Horn and her 10-year-old son, Zachary were held Tuesday, July 25th in Edmond. The funeral service for Lizzie and Beck were held Wednesday, July 26th.   

Two survivors from deadly Purcell crash undergo surgery

KJRH reports that Izzy Kitterman underwent tracheostomy surgery, and doctors were able to remove her breathing tube. Lauren Van Horn also underwent surgery on her Achilles tendon and heel.   

OHP says distracted driving led to fatal crash that killed 4

The group was returning from a summer outing at Turner Falls on July 17. The report says Van Horn's distraction was a "contributing factor" to the crash but doesn't say what distracted her.

Girl severely injured in deadly Purcell crash finally leaves hospital

Izzy Kitterman got one of the best Christmas presents when Santa and Mrs. Claus came to see her off from the Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital in Bethany.   

People Involved: 
Erin Van Horn
Zach Van Horn
Beck Kitterman
Lizzie Edwards
Roadway: 
Interstate 35

Comments

Drivers need to pay more attention to the road and look out windshield and ck mirrors often!! Too many distractions with 6 kids in an automobile!

Are you basically saying that if the driver didnt have the kids in the car the accident wouldnt have happened? No, it still would’ve probably happened unfortunately. Actually one of my childhood friends was taken by this accident. The driver didnt just purposely run into the truck. It was an accident and the people whom have passed are in a better place.. Distractions or none, it still would’ve taken someones life. But they all are flying high now... But what hurts is that as a human being you seem to not care what had happened... “too many distractions with 6 kids in an automobile!” Death is nothing to be put with “!” but in other words. Respect flesh and blood like they would for you. #FlyHighLizzie 

 

Distracted by what?

OHP can't or won't tell us what the "distraction" was...howver, let's look at a couple of facts: (1) on the day of the accident, that stretch of I-35 was clear and flat for a couple of miles (2) there was an exit just before where the semi had stopped (3) there were no visable skid marks to indicate Erin braked or tried to swerve.

I'm not a betting man, but were I, my money says she was texting on her cellphone at the time of impact.

Condolences to the family and friends of the kids involved in this horrible (and likely, preventable) accident.

 

Oh, and isabella, what do you mean "are in a better place"? These poor victims were alive at one time and enjoyed the love of their parents and friends...THAT was a better place for them to be. Tragically, no more.

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