TULSA, Okla. — September 3, 2025 | A devastating two-vehicle collision at one of Tulsa’s busiest intersections left an elderly driver dead Wednesday afternoon, according to the Tulsa Police Department.
Officers were dispatched around 1:00 p.m. to the intersection of 71st Street and Yale Avenue after reports of a serious crash involving a pickup truck and a passenger car.
How the Crash Happened
Investigators determined that a Chevy pickup truck was traveling northbound on Yale when the driver attempted to make a left turn. Police say the driver failed to yield while turning and was struck on the passenger side by a white Chevy Malibu heading southbound through the intersection.
The Malibu, which had the right of way with a green light, was heavily damaged in the collision.
Victim Identified
The driver of the Malibu was identified as 81-year-old Andre Champagne. Emergency crews had to extricate him from the wreckage before rushing him to a nearby hospital. Despite life-saving efforts, Champagne died from his injuries roughly an hour later.
The driver of the pickup truck was also transported to the hospital, where they were treated and later released.
Ongoing Investigation
Tulsa Police’s Advanced Traffic Investigators are continuing to analyze evidence from the crash, including vehicle damage, witness statements, and intersection camera footage. Once complete, the final report will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review.
Community Safety Reminder
Authorities are using this incident as a somber reminder of the importance of yielding during left-hand turns, particularly at high-traffic intersections like 71st and Yale. Left-turn collisions are among the most common causes of serious and fatal crashes in Tulsa.
“This is a tragic reminder that a single decision on the roadway can have life-altering consequences,” a Tulsa Police spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to Mr. Champagne’s family during this difficult time.”
Leave a Reply