Zac Rinehart Obituary, Death News – The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) has confirmed a devastating work zone crash in Ottawa County that left one Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) employee dead and another critically injured after being struck by a semi-truck on Interstate 44 near Miami.
According to OHP investigators, the crash occurred around 1:30 p.m. while two OTA workers were performing roadside cleanup duties along the eastbound lanes of I-44. One worker was outside on foot, actively picking up debris, while the other remained inside a parked OTA truck positioned nearby.
Authorities say the semi-truck involved veered out of its lane, left the roadway, and struck the worker who was on foot before colliding with the OTA truck. The impact proved fatal for the worker who had been walking along the roadside, while the second worker inside the vehicle sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. The semi-truck driver was not hurt.
Officials later identified the deceased worker as Zac Rinehart, a Heavy Equipment Operator II with the OTA. Rinehart had served as part of the Will Rogers Turnpike maintenance team for the past two years, dedicating his work to keeping Oklahoma’s roadways safe and functional. In a public statement, the OTA described his death as a tragic loss deeply felt by colleagues across the state.
“This loss is felt by each of his co-workers statewide, and OTA extends its deepest sympathy to the Rinehart family,” the authority shared. “We ask that Oklahomans keep Rinehart, his family, and his injured co-worker in their thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.”
The crash led to the temporary closure of the eastbound lanes of I-44 near Miami as emergency responders, investigators, and cleanup crews worked the scene. The highway was shut down for nearly three hours before reopening to traffic later in the day.
Work zone crashes remain a serious concern across Oklahoma and nationwide. Transportation officials continually remind drivers to slow down, stay alert, and move over when approaching construction or maintenance crews working along highways. The OTA emphasized that its workers risk their lives daily to maintain safe road conditions, making driver attentiveness crucial in preventing tragedies like this one.
The investigation into what caused the semi-truck to veer off the roadway remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released details regarding potential charges or citations against the truck driver.
For the OTA, Rinehart’s death marks a painful reminder of the dangers faced by roadside crews. The incident has sparked an outpouring of support for his family and coworkers, many of whom expressed their grief and condolences through the OTA’s network.
As one worker fights for recovery in the hospital and colleagues cope with the loss of a team member, officials continue urging drivers to exercise patience and caution in work zones. The tragedy underscores the critical importance of work zone safety measures meant to protect both motorists and the men and women working to maintain Oklahoma’s roads.
