Friday afternoon crash on US Highway 412 in Mayes County results in the death of 61-year-old Pryor woman

A routine Friday afternoon drive on U.S. Highway 412 turned deadly when a 61-year-old Pryor woman rear-ended another vehicle at a rural intersection in Mayes County, authorities reported Saturday.

Trina L. Jones died from her injuries at the scene of the two-vehicle crash around 3:32 p.m. on September 12. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), Jones was traveling eastbound on the four-lane highway when the vehicle ahead of her--driven by 81-year-old Gary Nixon of nearby Inola--began slowing to make a left turn south onto County Road S 427, near the intersection with County Road S 247.

Investigators say Jones' car struck the rear of Nixon's vehicle with significant force. Nixon suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment, while his two passengers emerged unscathed.

Highway 412, a vital artery connecting Tulsa to points east toward Arkansas, sees heavy traffic during peak afternoon hours, but the crash did not result in widespread closures, according to initial reports.

.OHP continues to probe the incident, examining vehicle data and witness statements to determine if speed, distraction, or mechanical issues played a role.

As of Sunday morning, no citations had been issued.