McCurtain County, OK — February 8, 2026, Christine Craig was killed in a single-vehicle accident at about 9 p.m. on State Highway 3 west of Broken Bow.

Authorities said a vehicle was heading east near Rhoden Road when it overturned several times after leaving the highway.

Driver Christine Craig, a 58-year-old from De Queen, AR, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the McCurtain County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Serious crashes often leave behind more questions than answers. In the hours that follow, there is usually a short statement and then silence. But understanding what really happened takes more than a brief report. It takes careful work and the right questions.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? In any single-vehicle rollover, the first step is looking beyond the surface. It’s not enough to note that a vehicle left the roadway and overturned. A thorough investigation should include detailed scene measurements, photographs and, in many cases, laser mapping to document tire marks, debris fields and final resting positions. Those details help reconstruct how the vehicle moved and what may have triggered the loss of control.

It also matters whether investigators reviewed the driver’s actions in the moments leading up to the crash. Was there evidence of braking? Did the vehicle yaw or rotate before it overturned? These are not simple questions, and not every responding officer has the same level of crash reconstruction training. Some departments have highly trained specialists. Others may rely on general patrol officers who do not regularly handle complex rollover dynamics. The depth of the investigation often depends on time, resources and expertise.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? Single-vehicle crashes sometimes lead people to assume driver error. But that assumption can overlook mechanical problems that are not obvious at first glance. Tire failures, steering system defects, brake malfunctions or electronic stability control issues can all cause a vehicle to behave unpredictably.

A proper mechanical inspection should involve preserving the vehicle and examining key components before repairs or salvage. Modern vehicles rely on sensors and computer systems that can fail without warning. If those systems malfunctioned, the only way to know is through careful inspection by qualified experts. Without that step, an important piece of the puzzle may never be uncovered.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Today’s vehicles store valuable information. Engine control modules can capture speed, throttle position, seatbelt use and braking input in the seconds before a crash. That data can either confirm a driver’s actions or reveal something unexpected.

Beyond the vehicle itself, cell phone records, GPS history and nearby surveillance or traffic cameras may provide additional insight. This information is often time-sensitive. If it is not preserved quickly, it can be lost. Gathering and reviewing electronic data can turn assumptions into facts.

Crashes like this deserve more than a brief summary. They call for careful reconstruction, mechanical review and a full examination of digital evidence. When those steps are taken, conclusions rest on evidence rather than guesswork.

Key Takeaways:

• A rollover requires detailed reconstruction, not just a basic scene report.
• Mechanical defects should be ruled out before assuming driver error.
• Electronic data from the vehicle and nearby sources can clarify what really happened.