A tragic accident in Oklahoma City claimed the life of a young bride-to-be and left her fiancé severely injured just weeks before their wedding. The couple, Katelyn Callahan, 23, and Tristen Cherry, 24, were returning from a local festival when their car was hit by a driver allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
The couple, along with two teenagers, were returning from the Calf Fry Festival in Stillwater when the incident occurred. The alleged drunk driver, traveling in the wrong direction on Interstate 44, collided with their car around 2:30 a.m. on May 2.
Cherry, who was in the backseat at the time of the crash, recounted the terrifying moments before the collision. He had just enough time to express his love for Callahan before the impact. Callahan, who was driving, did not survive the crash.
The couple had been together for three years and were planning to get married on May 31 in Bristow. Cherry, who sustained nearly 60 facial fractures, a lacerated kidney, lost teeth, and had to undergo multiple surgeries, learned about Callahan’s death days after waking up from a month-long coma.
The accused driver, 29-year-old Sergio Ibarra, was arrested and charged with first-degree manslaughter and three counts of driving under the influence. Ibarra and his 36-year-old passenger, as well as the teenage passengers in the couple’s car, were also hospitalized following the incident.
Cherry spent what should have been his wedding day in the hospital, surrounded by family and members of his bridal party who gathered to commemorate the somber occasion. Despite the tragedy, Cherry remains hopeful, focusing on healing and remembering his love for Callahan.
The couple, who met in high school and were described as “inseparable,” had looked forward to a future together. Their relationship was described as “the greatest love story this town has ever seen” on their wedding website. Cherry continues to honor their love, speaking to Callahan daily and cherishing the memories they made together.