A young construction worker died in a tragic accident Monday morning after he was fatally struck by a car driven by a sleepy juvenile, according to Oklahoma authorities.
19-year-old Jacob Matuszczak “was killed instantly” in the crash that occurred just after 8 a.m. Monday on southbound Interstate 35 near Tonkawa, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said.
The victim was one of three Wildcat Construction employees working off the roadway when a 2024 Dodge Avenger steered out of the road and struck them.
The two other workers, aged 19 and 62, sustained injuries and were flown to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita where the younger victim was listed in critical condition.
Police said the 17-year-old driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
It appeared that he had fallen asleep at the wheel. Charges against him are pending the highway patrol’s traffic homicide unit’s investigation.
“This is yet another reminder to stay alert and watch for vehicles and/or workers on the side of the road,” the highway patrol posted on Facebook.
