Sweetwater, OK — A fatal crash claimed the lives of two Ringling residents Thursday afternoon near the intersection of OK-6 and N 1770 Road, about five miles east of Sweetwater.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports the crash occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. on April 10, 2025. A 2001 Ford Ranger driven by 77-year-old William M. Pierce was traveling westbound when he attempted to pass a semi-truck. During the pass, an oncoming vehicle crested a hill. Pierce tried to return to his lane, but lost control. The vehicle left the roadway, rolled once, and ejected the passenger.

Pierce was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, 73-year-old Blenda Lea Pierce, was airlifted to Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City, where she was pronounced deceased.

Authorities listed the condition of the driver as “apparently normal.” The crash was attributed to improper passing. Neither occupant was wearing a seatbelt at the time.