OSU Basketball Coach Injured in Accident

Sutton injured in wreck
By Susan BrinkerStaff Writer

Oklahoma State University basketball coach Eddie Sutton was injured in a vehicle crash Friday afternoon on his way to the Stillwater Regional Airport.
Sutton, 69, was driving to catch the team plane, which was bound for a Saturday basketball game against Texas A&M in College Station, Texas.
Sutton suffered a head injury and was transported to Stillwater Medical Center for evaluation and treatment. He was traveling alone in his vehicle.
The unidentified occupant of the Chevrolet Suburban involved in the wreck sustained minor injuries and was treated and released, according to SPD.
A press conference was held at SMC on Friday night.
“Eddie Sutton was transported here earlier this evening,” said Karen Hendren, SMC chief financial officer.
“He is in good condition and will be admitted overnight for observation.”
Gary Shutt, OSU communications director, visited with Sutton immediately before the conference.
Sutton “is doing well,” Shutt said. “He wants to tell all OSU fans and all the people across the state that he appreciates their thoughts and prayers. He is a little banged up and, of course, he wishes he could be with the team right now.”
When the team was informed of Sutton’s condition, a decision was made to proceed with travel plans. Friday night, the Cowboys were in College Station. Sutton’s son, Sean, head coach-designate, will lead the team today.
The SPD was represented at the press conference by Lt. Ryan McCaghren. He followed up the medical report and confirmed that Sutton had bruises to his face but was in good condition overall and his injuries were not life threatening.
Later Friday, Shutt said he expected Sutton to be released from the hospital Saturday.
OSU President David Schmidly said in a press release he was relieved to learn Sutton and the occupant of the other car were both going to be fine.
“We are grateful there were no serious injures and encouraged by Coach Sutton’s desire to rejoin his team as soon as possible,” Schmidly said. “Our thoughts are with Coach, Patsy and their entire family.”
At 5:45 p.m. on Friday, the Stillwater Police and Fire departments responded to a report of an injury accident in the 3000 block of North Washington.
The preliminary SPD investigation found that Sutton was traveling northbound on Washington in a Dodge Durango. He traveled left of the center line and, upon correcting, struck a Chevrolet Suburban from behind at approximately 60 mph. The posted speed limit is 45 mph.
His vehicle continued northbound approximately one-eighth mile before leaving the roadway and striking a tree.
The investigation will be forwarded to the Payne County District Attorney’s Office for review upon completion to determine if charges are warranted.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Sutton family and to the OSU Basketball team. Eddie Sutton has led his Cowboys to the NCAA Tournament numerous times. His lack of presence at todays game against Texas A&M will definitely be felt and missed. He is the true icon of the OSU Cowboys.