Fatal Crash at 71st and Yale Leaves One Dead
TULSA, Okla. — On September 3, 2025, a tragic traffic accident at the busy intersection of 71st Street and Yale Avenue claimed the life of an elderly driver, despite rapid response efforts from first responders.
According to the Tulsa Police Department, the crash occurred around 1:00 p.m. Officers responding to the scene discovered that a white Chevrolet Malibu and a Chevrolet pickup truck were involved in the collision. Investigators determined that the pickup truck, which was traveling northbound on Yale, attempted to make a left-hand turn. In doing so, the driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic and was struck by the Malibu, which had the right of way under a green traffic light while traveling southbound on Yale.
The driver of the Malibu, identified as 81-year-old Andre Champagne, sustained severe injuries in the crash. Tulsa firefighters had to extricate him from the heavily damaged vehicle before he was rushed to a nearby hospital. Tragically, despite emergency medical treatment, Champagne succumbed to his injuries about an hour later.
The driver of the Chevrolet pickup truck was also taken to the hospital following the collision. Officials confirmed that the individual was treated for injuries and later released.
Tulsa Police stated that their Advanced Traffic Investigators are carefully reviewing all evidence, including traffic camera footage, roadway conditions, and witness statements. Once the investigation is completed, findings will be turned over to the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges will be filed.
The deadly crash serves as a somber reminder of the importance of yielding while making turns, especially at one of Tulsa’s busiest intersections. Police are urging drivers to exercise heightened caution when navigating intersections and to remain vigilant about traffic signals and right-of-way rules.
As of now, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not released the name of the pickup truck driver.