Atoka County, OK — April 5, 2025, Jerry Don was lost his life due to a single-car accident at approximately 12:30 p.m. along State Highway 7.

According to authorities, the accident took place somewhere along State Highway 7, though it has not been reported exactly where.

Details surrounding the accident remain scarce. Officials indicate that, for reasons yet to be confirmed, a vehicle occupied by 66-year-old Atoka, Oklahoma, man Jerry Don was involved in a single-vehicle collision.

Don reportedly suffered critical injuries due to the wreck and was flown to an area medical facility in order to receive necessary treatment. However, he was ultimately unable to overcome the severity of his injuries, having been declared deceased in the afternoon on April 7, 2025. Additional information pertaining to this incident is not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a person loses their life in a single-vehicle crash and the circumstances remain largely unknown, it’s easy to assume that something went wrong behind the wheel. But in my experience, especially with cases like this one involving Jerry Don on State Highway 7, it's just as likely that important factors have yet to be uncovered. To truly understand what caused this crash and whether it could have been prevented, there are three key questions that should be asked.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation at the scene? With few details about where the crash occurred or what conditions were like at the time, it’s critical to assess the road itself—was it straight or curved? Was there signage or lighting in place? Were there any indications of debris, a sudden obstruction, or a sharp drop-off that might have contributed to a loss of control? These questions are especially important in rural areas where road conditions can vary significantly. If these aspects weren’t documented carefully, important clues may have been missed.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility of a vehicle defect or mechanical failure? Single-vehicle crashes often involve more than just operator error. A sudden issue with the steering system, suspension, tires, or brakes could have forced the vehicle off course with little warning. These kinds of failures are rarely visible to the naked eye and require a forensic inspection of the vehicle to confirm. That’s only possible if the vehicle is preserved in its post-accident condition before it’s repaired or destroyed.

Lastly, has all the electronic data from the vehicle been retrieved? Most modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders that can capture crucial pre-crash information—speed, brake application, throttle position, and steering activity. This data can be vital in determining whether the vehicle responded as expected or whether something went wrong mechanically or electronically. Additionally, if Jerry Don had a GPS unit or if there’s surveillance footage near the stretch of road where the crash occurred, those sources may also offer insight into how the events unfolded.

When someone loses their life and the facts remain unclear, we owe it to their loved ones to dig deeper than basic assumptions. Asking these questions is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by this crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.