El Reno, Okla. (KOKH) — A candlelight vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Memorial Day at Lake El Reno's main pavilion to honor four young adults killed in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 40.
The victims—Kiercy Hickson, Haleigh Salazar, Brad Palmer, and Quincy Jones—were struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound on I-40 shortly after midnight on Friday. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, all four were pronounced dead at the scene.
Residents have expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “I knew those kids. I know their families,” said Nancy Salsman, a retired teacher in El Reno. Brandi Higgins, another local resident, noted the emotional impact, stating, “This hits home. It really hits home.”
To support the victims' families, Salsman and Higgins are organizing the El Reno Strong Poker Run and Benefit Night on Saturday, July 11. Participants will pay $25 per rider and $10 for additional passengers. The event will include five stops with playing cards and prizes for the best hands. Family-friendly activities will be available at each location.
Proceeds from the poker run will be split among the four victims' families. Salsman confirmed, “100% of the entire run, the entire auction will be divided equally.”
The event will conclude at the Elks Lodge, featuring food, live music, and an auction. Both organizers emphasize the need for community support, with Salsman calling for donations of larger auction items.
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
- Schwab's Spirits, 312 W Elm St, El Reno.
- Epperson Insurance LLC, 1547 SW 27th St, El Reno.
- El Reno Elks Lodge 743, 415 S Rock Island Ave, El Reno.
For further details on the poker run, visit the El Reno Strong Poker Run and Benefit Facebook group. Links to GoFundMe pages for each family are also available here.