Construction worker dies in crash after teen falls asleep at wheel, authorities say

KAY COUNTY, Okla. (KWCH/Gray News) - Authorities in Oklahoma confirmed an investigation continues after a teenage driver who allegedly fell asleep at the wheel hit three construction workers, killing one, KWCH reports.

The deadly collision happened a little after 8 a.m. Monday on southbound Interstate 35 near Tonkawa, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Three employees of Wildcat Construction out of Wichita, Kansas, were working off the roadway on the bridge embankment when a 2014 Dodge Avenger left the road and hit them.

One of the construction workers, 19-year-old Jacob Matuszczak, “was killed instantly,” the highway patrol said.

The other two workers involved in the incident were injured. The highway patrol says 19-year-old Alexis Batres was airlifted in critical condition to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Wayne Thomas, 62, was also flown to Wesley, where he was treated for leg injuries and released.

The driver, identified in the highway patrol’s report as a 17-year-old boy from Minnesota, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. It’s believed he had fallen asleep at the wheel before the crash.

There were three passengers in the car: two teens from Minnesota and one from Iowa. None of the four teenagers were injured, the highway patrol report showed.

The highway patrol issued a safety reminder along with the Facebook post providing preliminary information about the incident.

“This is yet another reminder to stay alert and watch for vehicles and/or workers on the side of the road,” read the post in part.

The highway patrol’s traffic homicide unit is investigating the incident. The final report will be presented to the Kay County district attorney for a decision on possible charges.