A young Oklahoma couple’s future was shattered by a fatal wrong-way crash, just weeks before their wedding. One died, the other survived with severe injuries and lifelong memories.
Katelyn Callahan was killed in the early morning hours of May 2, 2025, when the vehicle she was in was struck by a wrong-way driver on Interstate 44 near Western Avenue in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol confirmed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time.
She had been returning from the Calf Fry Festival in Stillwater with her fiancé, Tristen Cherry, and two 17-year-old passengers, Rudi Kroll and Jayli Diel. While the other three were taken to the hospital with serious injuries, Katelyn was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tristen was admitted to an Oklahoma City hospital, where he remained for a month. He spent nearly three weeks in a coma and sustained multiple injuries, including a compound fracture in his femur, 64 fractures in his face, a lacerated kidney, and the loss of seven teeth.
His jaw was wired shut during recovery. He was unable to speak or see for a time due to facial swelling. He later recalled the moments before the crash. “I kind of sat up in my seat, and I see headlights,” he shared. “I said, ‘Katelyn, I love you.’ And we hit.”
Tristen and Katelyn had been in a relationship for over three years. They got engaged in February 2024 and planned to marry on May 31. On the day of their planned wedding, Tristen was still in the hospital. Family and friends gathered in his room to mark the date, bringing photos and support.
He later described seeing Katelyn’s wedding dress in pictures and noted that loved ones from both families had come to be with him. While recovering at home, Tristen recently spoke about the physical and emotional healing ahead, saying he continues to talk to Katelyn daily.
Katelyn, a nursing student at Oklahoma State University, had worked as a bartender at The Frosted Mug, a cocktail waitress at Arena Pub & Grill, and was also previously employed at Hooters. She was known for her dedication, and her community described her as hardworking and full of ambition…