Melanie Ward, a woman from Kingston was killed in a crash near Choctaw Casino Resort on December 2. Ward and her husband, Roberto Maldonado, were at the intersection of South 9th Street andChoctawRoadwhenthey were struck by a driver who turned into oncoming traffic.
Ward was pronounced at the scene and her husband was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Ward’s employer, OK Behavioral Health, reported that Maldonado has multiple fractures to his right arm, a fractured femur and injuries to his face.
Ward was originally from McAlester. However, she moved to Kingston. She leaves behind a son, a student at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
OkBehavioralHealthtook to social media to give their condolences, and how Ward was such a loyal employee. The post said she “had a strong work ethic and created a work environment where employees were like family.”
“She left behind a great legacy and bettered the lives of countless people over many years,” the post continued.
TheDurantPoliceDepartment said this is an ongoing investigation. They are asking foranybodywhomayhave witnessed the crash, to reach out to the DPD.
For anybody who would like to donate to help Melanie’s family, an account at First United Bank has been set up in her honor.