Jeffery Jones Obituary, Death – A tragic accident in Dewey County on Thursday afternoon claimed the life of a Woodward County EMS ambulance driver and left several others injured. The crash occurred while the ambulance was transporting a patient to a hospital in Oklahoma City, highlighting the dangers first responders face even while performing life-saving duties.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), the crash happened around 3:15 p.m. along U.S. Highway 270 near Oakwood. Investigators reported that the ambulance was traveling eastbound when it collided with a westbound semi-truck. At the time, the westbound lanes of the highway were closed for construction, forcing vehicles to divert into the inside eastbound lane.
Authorities said the ambulance crossed the center line, colliding head-on with the semi-truck. The impact caused the ambulance to roll onto its passenger side, leading to catastrophic damage.
The ambulance driver, identified as 55-year-old Jeffery Jones, died at the scene from his injuries. Jones, a dedicated first responder, had been serving the Woodward County community and was remembered by colleagues for his commitment to helping others.
Inside the ambulance, a crew member and the patient being transported sustained injuries. The semi-truck driver was also hurt in the collision. In total, three people were taken to local hospitals for treatment. At this time, no updates have been provided regarding the severity of their conditions.
The incident is currently under investigation by the OHP, which is working to determine what caused the ambulance to cross into the oncoming lane. Factors such as road conditions, driver fatigue, and visibility are expected to be reviewed as part of the investigation.
The crash has deeply affected both the EMS and wider community in Woodward County. First responders often face dangerous circumstances in their efforts to provide care, and this tragedy underscores the risks that emergency personnel take every day to protect and save lives.
On Thursday evening, Woodward County Commissioner Clint White addressed the accident in a heartfelt post on Facebook, offering condolences to Jones’ family and acknowledging the loss felt throughout the county. He expressed gratitude for Jones’ service and emphasized the importance of rallying around both his loved ones and his fellow EMS workers during this difficult time.
Highway 270 remained closed for several hours following the collision as crews cleared the wreckage and investigators documented the scene. Drivers in the area experienced significant delays, but many also expressed sympathy upon learning of the deadly circumstances behind the closure.
The loss of Jeffery Jones is being remembered as not only a professional tragedy but also a personal one, as colleagues, friends, and family grieve the death of a man who dedicated his life to helping others. As the investigation continues, the community remains focused on supporting those injured in the crash and honoring the sacrifice of a first responder who lost his life in the line of duty.
