A one-vehicle collision at 6:06 a.m. Monday sent an ATV driver and his passenger to the Oklahoma University Trauma Center in Oklahoma City.
Garrett J. Dantzler, 42, of Blanchard, and Francisco J. Preciado, 40, of Hobbs, New Mexico, were riding a 2023 CFMOTO ATV on Pendergraft Road/County Road 1210, one mile west of Newcastle in Grady County, when the collision occurred. Trooper Sooner Harmon indicates the collision is still under investigation, and it is undetermined at this time who was driving.
The ATV was traveling eastbound on County Road 1210 attempting to turn north onto Pendergraft Road when the vehicle failed to negotiate the turn due to speed, Harmon states, which caused the ATV to roll a quarter time, ejecting Dantzler. The Trooper states that the vehicle continued and struck a railroad tie causing the ATV to roll again a quarter time coming to rest on its top. The cause of the collision was determined to be speed.
Dantzler was admitted to OU Trauma in critical condition with head and external injuries. Preciado was admitted to OU Trauma in critical condition with head, internal and external injuries.
Harmon was assisted at the scene by OHP Trooper Ryan Hayes, Trooper Russell Boswell, Tuttle Emergency Medical Services, and Bridge Creek Fire Department.
