Enid, Oklahoma – November 17, 2025
The community of Enid, Oklahoma, is mourning the heartbreaking deaths of 23-year-old Payton Kaminskas and 40-year-old Jason Kaminskas, who were struck and killed early Saturday morning on Interstate 35 in Logan County. What began as a routine response to a deer collision ended in unimaginable tragedy, claiming the lives of two men deeply loved by their family, friends, and neighbors.
What Happened
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), the tragedy unfolded at around 1:55 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-35 near mile marker 165, in Logan County. The vehicle carrying Payton and Jason Kaminskas struck a deer, causing major damage and disabling the car in the roadway.
Acting responsibly, Payton and Jason exited the vehicle to assess the damage and deal with the situation. While outside their car, they were fatally struck by another northbound vehicle. Both men, identified as Enid residents, were pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of emergency responders and firefighters from Guthrie.
The other driver, reported to be from El Reno, was not injured in the crash. Northbound I-35 was closed for several hours, with traffic diverted onto State Highway 33 while investigators documented the scene, cleared debris, and worked to safely reopen the interstate. The roadway fully reopened late in the morning.
Who Were Payton and Jason Kaminskas?
Both Payton Kaminskas, 23, and Jason Kaminskas, 40, were known in Enid as kind, hardworking, and deeply family-oriented. Though their lives were at different stages, friends say they shared a strong bond and a quiet determination that left a lasting impression on those who knew them.
Payton is remembered as a young man with a bright future—a person who brought energy, compassion, and hope into every room he entered. At just 23, he had dreams he was actively pursuing and relationships he deeply valued. Friends describe him as caring, loyal, and quick to offer support or a laugh when others needed it most.
Jason, 40, is remembered as a steady presence, someone rooted in family, responsibility, and commitment. Loved ones recall how he provided guidance, encouragement, and unwavering love to those around him. He was the kind of person others turned to for advice and strength, and his influence in the lives of his family and friends was both significant and irreplaceable.
Together, Payton and Jason Kaminskas represented two generations of a family whose lives were closely intertwined—making the loss of both in a single incident especially devastating for everyone who loved them.
Legacy, Family Impact, and Community Grief
The deaths of Payton and Jason have left an enormous void in the hearts of their family. Losing one loved one in a crash is shattering; losing two at once is almost beyond comprehension. Their relatives now face the painful reality of living without the daily presence, conversations, and shared moments that once defined their lives together.
Friends and coworkers in Enid remember Payton and Jason not only for who they were individually, but for the way they showed up for each other and for others—through shared work, family gatherings, kindness, and loyalty. Their legacy is one of connection: two men who gave more than they took and left people better than they found them.
For the broader community, this tragedy is a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change, especially on busy highways like Interstate 35, where a single event—such as a deer in the roadway—can set off a chain reaction with heartbreaking consequences.
Public and Social Media Reactions
In the wake of Payton and Jason Kaminskas’ deaths, support has poured in from across Enid and beyond. Social media has become a place of mourning and remembrance, where friends, extended family, and acquaintances share stories, photos, and messages of condolence.
Many posts describe Payton as a “bright light” and Jason as a “rock” for those around him. Others speak of the joy they brought to holidays, community events, and everyday life. The tone is one of deep sadness but also deep gratitude for the time people were able to spend with them.
Community efforts to help the family have already begun. A benefit dinner and local fundraisers have been organized to support the Kaminskas family during this incredibly difficult time, reflecting the strong sense of solidarity and compassion within the Enid and Logan County communities.
These tributes and gestures of support form a living tribute and legacy, ensuring that Payton and Jason are remembered not just as victims of a highway accident, but as cherished members of a community that loved them dearly.
Official Statements or What Happens Next
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash, working to confirm all contributing factors, including visibility, traffic conditions, and the sequence of events after the deer collision. At this time, no criminal charges have been publicly announced, and authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
As the investigation continues, the focus for many remains on supporting the Kaminskas family and honoring the lives of Payton and Jason. Funeral and memorial service details are expected to be shared by the family or local funeral homes, and the community is preparing to gather in remembrance, prayer, and collective grief.
In the meantime, friends and loved ones are asking for continued thoughts, prayers, and compassion for the family as they navigate unimaginable loss. They hope that, in time, the pain of this tragedy will be balanced by the enduring memories of who Payton and Jason were and how deeply they were loved.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
