Fatal Crash in Atoka County Involves Jeffrey Schwartz

On Friday, May 9, 2025, a fatal crash occurred on US-69/OK-43E in Atoka County, Oklahoma. The incident involved a 2025 GMC Yukon, driven by Charles Eidem, 78, from Alexandria, Minnesota, and a 2025 Peterbilt semi, driven by Jeffrey Schwartz, 53, from Greenwood, Arkansas. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the southbound GMC Yukon veered left of center, colliding with the northbound semi. Following the collision, the semi veered off the roadway to the right and overturned, while the Yukon continued southbound, subsequently catching fire and becoming fully engulfed in flames.

Charles Eidem and his passenger, Carole Eidem, 78, also from Alexandria, Minnesota, were pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash. Jeffrey Schwartz was airlifted to a hospital and admitted in stable condition.