Published: May 27, 2008 02:50 pm      

Two wrecks send six people to hospitals over weekend

Two area accidents sent six people to hospitals over the Memorial Day weekend.

The first accident occurred on State Highway 131 one-half mile north of Coalgate Sunday. Christopher Richard Daffern, 33, Coalgate, was driving north on a 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle when he lost control.

A report from Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper John Ivey said Daffern was driving too fast when he came to a curve and ran off the road, hit an embankment, and slid into a fence.

He was taken by Eagle-Med helicopter to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City and admitted with internal injuries and remains there in fair condition. Ivey said Daffern was not wearing a helmet and listed the cause of the accident as unsafe speed.

The second accident occurred Sunday 5 miles west, and 2 miles north of Stratford on a county road.

OHP Trooper Tommy Riddle said in a report that a 1997 Buick driven by Ronald Neal, 40, Stratford, was hit from behind by a 1997 Jeep driven by Travis Mize, 24, Byars.

Both Neal and Mize were driving north when Neal slowed to make a right turn, and was hit by Mize who was unable to see in the dust, the report said.

Neal was taken by Air-Evac to Norman Regional Hospital and admitted with internal injuries. Mize was taken by Stratford EMS to Pauls Valley General Hospital where he was treated and released.

Two passengers in Neal’s vehicle, Anissa Mize, 30, and Mark Neal, 16, both of Stratford, were taken by EMS to Pauls Valley General Hospital where they were treated and released.

A passenger in Mize’s vehicle, Eric Wornick, 19, Stratford, was also taken to PVGH and treated and released. Riddle said conditions were clear and listed the cause of the accident as unsafe speed.