OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, today issued the following statement after receiving word that Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) Trooper Vernon Brake, of Guthrie, was killed in an accident on Interstate 35. The driver of the other vehicle, and a four-year-old passenger were killed in the accident as well.

"My heart goes out to the families of the deceased," Duel said. "Sadly, law enforcement and first responders know all too well the risks they are asked to face every day they wear a uniform and serve the public, but it never gets easier to deal with their loss. I'm thankful for the service of Trooper Brake, and I stand with many others in this community in telling his surviving wife and two children that we will be there for them when they need us. My condolences and prayers go out to the families of the other victims of this tragedy as well."

OHP released that Trooper Brake was a graduate of the 56th OHP Academy in 2006, and proudly served the patrol for nearly 20 years, with a significant amount of time assigned to Troop S (commercial motor vehicle enforcement). After his graduation from the academy, he also served in Oklahoma and Logan Counties.

Trooper Brake is survived by his wife and two children.

OHP's Traffic Homicide Unit is conducting an investigation into the crash. Details are still emerging.