HASKELL, Okla. –
A Tulsa man has been arrested and charged with first-degree manslaughter after investigators say he caused a crash that killed 18-year-old Isabella Clay, a Coweta High School senior and president of the Coweta FFA chapter.
The crash happened around 12:54 a.m. Saturday, March 7, on State Highway 72 near West Dozer Road in Muskogee County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Troopers said Clay, of Haskell, was driving southbound when a northbound vehicle driven by 35-year-old Levi G. Crawford of Tulsa crossed the center line and struck her vehicle head-on.
Clay died from injuries sustained in the crash. Troopers said she was wearing a seat belt at the time.
Crawford was injured but survived. Investigators reported seat belts were not in use in his vehicle.
Troopers say driver showed signs of impairment
According to a probable cause affidavit, troopers reported Crawford showed several signs of intoxication after the crash.
Investigators said Crawford:
- Smelled strongly of alcohol
- Was slurring his words
- Told troopers he believed the year was 2016
- Did not know where he was
Authorities said Crawford was taken to the hospital after the crash. After being released, he later surrendered to the Tulsa County Jail.
He has now been charged with first-degree manslaughter in connection with the crash.
Remembering Isabella Clay
Clay was a senior at Coweta High School and served as president of the Coweta FFA chapter.
Friends and educators described her as a dedicated leader in Oklahoma’s agricultural education community.
Clay had planned to attend Oklahoma State University after graduating.
