GOTEBO, OKLAHOMA — The quiet morning along State Highway 54 was shattered by tragedy when 20-year-old Gary R. Courtney of Lookeba lost his life in a devastating two-vehicle collision early Tuesday.

The fatal crash occurred at approximately 6:49 a.m., about 3.8 miles south of Gotebo. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Courtney’s vehicle collided with a commercial truck under circumstances that remain under investigation.

When emergency responders arrived, they found both vehicles badly damaged and debris scattered across the roadway. Despite immediate rescue efforts, Courtney was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck, 23-year-old Luis A. Silva of Dover, was wearing a seatbelt and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He was treated at a nearby medical facility and later released.

Authorities closed the highway for more than six hours as troopers conducted a detailed on-site investigation. Crash reconstruction experts examined skid marks, vehicle positions, and other physical evidence to piece together how the collision occurred. The wrecked vehicles were towed away only after investigators completed their work and the road was deemed safe for reopening.

Preliminary reports have not confirmed what caused the crash. Investigators are reviewing multiple factors, including speed, visibility, and possible mechanical failures. Toxicology tests are routine in such incidents and will be included as part of the official report once results are finalized.

Local residents who frequently travel that stretch of State Highway 54 expressed sorrow and concern over the fatal crash. Many described the route as particularly dangerous due to narrow lanes and early morning glare from the rising sun. Some community members have called for improved signage or additional safety measures along that section of the road.

Friends and family of Gary Courtney have shared their heartbreak online, remembering him as a hardworking, kind, and optimistic young man with a bright future ahead. Loved ones spoke of his close ties to the Lookeba community and his deep commitment to family and friends. His passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who knew him best.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol continues to lead the investigation and is asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward with information. Authorities hope that additional eyewitness accounts will help clarify the moments leading up to the fatal impact.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, counselors and clergy members have reached out to support the grieving family. Local organizations are reportedly planning a candlelight vigil in honor of Gary Courtney, reflecting the community’s shared grief and solidarity during this painful time.

This devastating loss serves as another sobering reminder of how quickly life can change on the road. The Lookeba and Gotebo communities now mourn together, honoring the memory of a young man whose life ended far too soon. May Gary Courtney’s loved ones find strength and comfort as they navigate the days ahead.