Early on the morning of October 14, 2025, a fatal collision on State Highway 54, about 3.8 miles south of Gotebo in Kiowa County, claimed the life of a 20-year-old man from Lookeba and left another driver hurt. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) says the wreck occurred around 6:49 a.m., and both vehicles had just one occupant each.
Troopers identified the deceased as Gary R. Courtney of Lookeba. Courtney was driving one of the vehicles and was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. Investigators noted that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time.
The other driver, Luis A. Silva, age 23 of Dover, was behind the wheel of a commercial motor vehicle. He survived with non-life-threatening injuries and was transported for medical care. Silva was reported to have been wearing his seatbelt.
As authorities worked the scene, State Highway 54 remained closed for more than six hours—about 6 hours and 41 minutes—while troopers conducted investigations and cleared wreckage.
At this time, the cause of the collision is still under investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and no additional details have been released.
Courtney’s family has been notified and is likely grappling with the sudden loss of a young life. Meanwhile, the community waits for any further findings from troopers on how this tragic crash unfolded.