Man accused of fatal wrong-way crash in Yukon has illegal immigration status, officials say
Posted on Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 at 10:16 pm
YUKON, OK – A 26-year-old man who is being accused of causing a fatal wrong-way crash that killed four young adults has an illegal immigration status, according to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.
This is an update in connection to the previous stories we covered about the deadly collision in Yukon. The suspect was later identified as Michael Rosario-Cruz. DPS’s Commissioner, Tim Tipton, told Koco5 that they, along with Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE, found out that he is undocumented, saying he was issued a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status in 2015 and given a work authorization permit.
The Back Story: On Friday, May 22, Rosario-Cruz was driving east on westbound Interstate 40 when he crashed into a westbound vehicle driven by 20-year-old Kiercey Hickson.
The impact of that collision caused one of the vehicles to catch fire.
Hickson, along with her three passengers, all El Reno Public Schools alums, died as a result of the wreck.
The passengers have since been identified as 19-year-old Quincy Jones, 18-year-old Haleigh Salazer, and Brad Palmer, who was either 18 or 19.
All victims were later honored in a Memorial Day vigil, according to OKCFOX.
Officials later said they discovered Rosario-Cruz had several empty containers of alcohol in his vehicle and said he was left in critical condition.
EMS crews rushed Rosario-Cruz to a hospital, who has since been released. On Sunday, OHP booked him into the Canadian County Jail. He faces several charges: four counts of second-degree murder, two counts of DUI causing great bodily injury, possessing a firearm with an altered ID during the commission of a felony, carrying firearms while under the influence, and driving the wrong way on a one-way road.
This information is presented as a way to help keep our community safer and is not meant to be taken as legal advice.However, the Oklahoma car accident attorneys at the Abel Law Firm have helped clients secure financial compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving another vehicle, contact us today for a free consultation.
