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Ambulance Driver Faces Manslaughter Charge

Braun Ambulances

   

 

 

  A manslaughter charge has been filed against an Oklahoma ambulance driver in connection with a 2017 crash that killed a patient he was transporting.

Oklahoma County court records indicate 35-year-old Matthew Erickson was charged on Thursday with first-degree manslaughter in connection with the deadly August 2017 crash.

Investigators say Erickson was driving an ambulance that veered off of Interstate 44 in southwest Oklahoma City and overturned. Officials say that a patient, 66-year-old Carolyn Koch of Blanchard, and a paramedic were ejected from the vehicle. Koch later died and the paramedic suffered serious injuries. Erickson wasn't injured.

Investigators said at the time that witnesses reported the ambulance was being driven recklessly and going about 90 mph seconds before the crash.

Court records don't indicate whether Erickson is represented by an attorney.