Sequoyah County, OK — August 3, 2025, John Beahn was killed and two others were injured in a truck accident at about 1:35 a.m. on westbound Interstate 40 near Muldrow.

Authorities said two semi-trucks and another vehicle were involved in a crash near mile marker 317.

A passenger in one of the trucks, 69-year-old Florida resident John Beahn, died in the crash, according to authorities. The driver and another passenger were hospitalized with unspecified injuries.

The other drivers were not hurt, authorities said.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people read about a crash involving multiple semi-trucks, especially one that happens in the middle of the night, they often wonder: How could something like this even happen? And who’s really responsible? Those are fair questions, especially when someone lost their life and others were hurt.

Beyond that, details are scarce. That leaves us with more questions than answers.

Was one of the trucks stopped in the roadway? Did a driver change lanes without seeing another vehicle? Was there a mechanical failure? Did someone fall asleep at the wheel? Right now, we just don’t know.

And until those basic questions are answered, it’s premature to assume fault or chalk the crash up to “just an accident.” In my experience, crashes like this rarely come down to a single bad decision. More often, they’re the result of multiple factors, and someone failing to follow procedures meant to prevent this very kind of disaster.

To find out what really happened, investigators will need to pull ECM (engine control module) data from each truck. That will show things like speed, braking and throttle in the seconds before the crash. They’ll also need to check for dash cam footage and cell phone records, which could help explain whether any of the drivers were distracted. In-cab cameras, if available, could also provide crucial context.

Then there’s the question of who employed the drivers, what kind of training they had and what company policies might have played a role. I’ve handled cases where the drivers barely made it through a 20-minute road test and were still hired. That’s not just a hiring mistake; that’s a decision that puts everyone on the highway at risk.

At the end of the day, the goal isn't to point fingers for the sake of blame. It's to gather all the evidence and figure out whose actions, or inactions, led to someone losing their life. And that’s not something we’ll find in a press release. It comes from asking the hard questions and getting real answers.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s unclear what caused the multi-vehicle crash involving two semi-trucks near Muldrow.
• Investigators need to examine black box data, dash cams and driver records to piece together what happened.
• Driver distraction, mechanical failure and company oversight are all potential factors, but nothing is confirmed yet.
• Meaningful accountability depends on evidence, not assumptions.
• Thorough investigation is the only way to ensure the right people are held responsible.