Edward Eugene Parker Jr. Identified as Victim in Tragic Pedestrian Accident on I-44

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has identified the victim of a tragic pedestrian accident that occurred early Monday morning on I-44 in northeast Oklahoma. Edward Eugene Parker Jr., a 63-year-old resident of Cuba, Missouri, was found lying in the inside lane of the westbound traffic on the Will Rogers Turnpike at approximately 4:09 am.

Upon arriving at the scene, troopers noted that the vehicles present did not appear to be the first ones to have struck Parker. The identity of the initial vehicle involved remains unknown at this time, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.

Parker had been walking along the inside lane of the interstate when the incident occurred. Earlier in the evening, around 8:30 pm, a trooper had provided Parker with a ride from near mile marker 325 eastbound to a convenience store at mile marker 1 in Missouri. During this interaction, Parker had mentioned he was heading to Cuba, Missouri. However, for reasons that are still unclear, Parker ended up back near mile marker 325, this time on the westbound side.

The tragic accident led to the closure of the westbound lanes for nearly six hours as troopers worked to piece together the events leading up to Parker’s death. This extended closure was necessary to ensure a thorough investigation and to gather all possible evidence from the scene.

Edward Eugene Parker Jr.’s unexpected and tragic death has left many questions unanswered. The circumstances that led him back to the vicinity where he was ultimately struck are still being investigated. Authorities are seeking any information that could shed light on these events.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is urging anyone with relevant information regarding the incident to come forward. Individuals can contact the Northeast Regional Communications Center at (918) 627-0440. Any details, no matter how small, could be crucial in understanding what happened and potentially identifying the vehicle that first struck Parker.

The community and authorities alike are grappling with this tragic incident, emphasizing the importance of pedestrian safety on highways and the need for caution and vigilance. As the investigation continues, Parker’s family and friends are left mourning the loss of a loved one under such distressing circumstances.