Oklahoma City, OK — February 12, 2025, Tarren Sorrel was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 9:13 P.M. on I-40.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead during the evening hours of February 12th. According to official reports, Tarren Sorrel was a passenger in a Ford Explorer which was being operated by James Booker and were traveling in the eastbound lanes of I-40 when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and went off-road where it crashed into water.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Sorrel had sustained serious injuries and transported her to the hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. At this time it remains unknown what caused the vehicle to lose control, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary

When I see reports of a crash like this, my first thought is whether investigators will be able to determine exactly what went wrong. It’s easy to assume that a driver simply lost control, but my experience tells me that’s not always the case. Instead of making assumptions, it’s important to let the evidence tell the story. To do that, there are three critical questions that need to be answered.

The first question is whether authorities conducted a thorough investigation. Law enforcement officers do their best with the resources available, but not all agencies have access to specialized crash reconstruction experts. In a case like this, where a vehicle suddenly veered off the road and into water, investigators should be looking at all possible contributing factors. Were there any other vehicles involved? Were there hazards on the roadway? Were weather conditions a factor? Without a detailed review, crucial details may be missed.

The second question is whether a vehicle defect played a role in the crash. Modern vehicles rely on electronic stability control, braking systems, and steering mechanisms that, if malfunctioning, could contribute to a sudden loss of control. The Ford Explorer involved in this crash should be preserved for a forensic examination to determine whether any mechanical issues played a role. Unfortunately, many vehicle defects go unnoticed because authorities typically don’t conduct detailed mechanical inspections unless someone pushes for it. If the vehicle is quickly disposed of, valuable evidence could be lost forever.

The final question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. Many vehicles, including Ford Explorers, contain an electronic control module (ECM) that records critical data such as speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments leading up to a crash. Additionally, if any nearby surveillance cameras or dashcams captured the incident, they could provide further insight. If investigators don’t act quickly to secure this information, it may be lost before anyone realizes its significance.

At the end of the day, determining why a crash like this happened isn’t just about documentation—it’s about making sure all the right questions have been asked and answered. If external factors, mechanical failures, or missing data played a role, the family of Tarren Sorrel deserves to know. Serious crashes change lives in an instant, and at the very least, the community owes it to those affected to uncover the truth.