23-Year-Old Katelyn Callahan Tragically Dies Weeks Before Her Wedding

A young Oklahoma couple's future was shattered by a fatal wrong-way crash, just weeks before their wedding. One died, the other survived with severe injuries and lifelong memories.

Katelyn Callahan was killed in the early morning hours of May 2, 2025, when the vehicle she was in was struck by a wrong-way driver on Interstate 44 near Western Avenue in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol confirmed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

She had been returning from the Calf Fry Festival in Stillwater with her fiancé, Tristen Cherry, and two 17-year-old passengers, Rudi Kroll and Jayli Diel. While the other three were taken to the hospital with serious injuries, Katelyn was pronounced dead at the scene.

Tristen was admitted to an Oklahoma City hospital, where he remained for a month. He spent nearly three weeks in a coma and sustained multiple injuries, including a compound fracture in his femur, 64 fractures in his face, a lacerated kidney, and the loss of seven teeth.

His jaw was wired shut during recovery. He was unable to speak or see for a time due to facial swelling. He later recalled the moments before the crash. "I kind of sat up in my seat, and I see headlights," he shared. "I said, 'Katelyn, I love you.' And we hit."

Tristen and Katelyn had been in a relationship for over three years. They got engaged in February 2024 and planned to marry on May 31. On the day of their planned wedding, Tristen was still in the hospital. Family and friends gathered in his room to mark the date, bringing photos and support.

He later described seeing Katelyn's wedding dress in pictures and noted that loved ones from both families had come to be with him. While recovering at home, Tristen recently spoke about the physical and emotional healing ahead, saying he continues to talk to Katelyn daily.

Katelyn, a nursing student at Oklahoma State University, had worked as a bartender at The Frosted Mug, a cocktail waitress at Arena Pub & Grill, and was also previously employed at Hooters. She was known for her dedication, and her community described her as hardworking and full of ambition.

Following her death, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by Skyla Shoemaker on behalf of her mother, Melissa Callahan. The fundraiser described her as "the heart and soul of The Frosted Mug." As of June 20, the fundraiser had collected $17,204 out of its $20,000 goal.

Tristen had been employed at The Lokal, a restaurant with locations in Yukon and Mustang. He had recently been promoted to manager. His employer, Erich Jacoby, said Tristen had made a strong impression on the staff and guests alike.

Following the accident, the restaurant organized a benefit on May 9, donating a portion of evening sales to both families and placing tip jars throughout the restaurants for additional donations.

Katelyn's father, Cary Callahan, shared a message on May 6 expressing the family's devastation and stating that no amount of time could fully heal what had been taken.

Katelyn and Tristen had known of each other in high school — she attended Kiefer, and he went to Bixby — but didn't meet until years later. After keeping in contact through social media, they eventually met in person when Tristen invited her to be his date to a fraternity formal.

As described on their wedding website, it was "a once in a lifetime moment of a feeling for the two after dancing, talking, showing common interests and sharing memories and knowledge of mutual friends, they give it a shot or as they say, God's plan."

The page goes on to say, "The two have been inseparable since and still adore the time they first locked eyes and felt the strength they both had for each other, little did they know they'd be getting married in the near future. The love continues to grow as days go by and forever shall they both live healthy and compassionate, sharing their heart and soul, blood in blood out, undying love."

As of mid-June, both Rudi and Jayli remain hospitalized. Community efforts continue to support all families affected, as Tristen focuses on recovery, and those close to Katelyn mourn the loss of a young life taken just as a new chapter was about to begin.