A Coleman man died Saturday evening in a tragic accident involving heavy machinery in rural Atoka County, approximately three miles east of Coleman.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:18 PM on June 15, 2025, on W Crusher Road/N3738 Road. Authorities identified the deceased as 41-year-old John B. Bird of Coleman, Oklahoma.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), Bird was driving a 2025 Gehl Telehandler and had parked the machinery sideways on a slope. He then voluntarily dismounted and was standing on the downhill side of the equipment. The telehandler subsequently rolled over one-quarter of a time, pinning him underneath.
Atoka County EMS pronounced Bird deceased at the scene. His body was transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Oklahoma City.
Bird was reportedly pinned for approximately three hours before being extracted by the Caney Fire Department. The cause of the collision is currently under investigation. Weather conditions at the time were clear, and the roadway was gravel. Seat belts, airbags, and helmets were not applicable to the equipment involved.
The collision was investigated by Trooper Jamey Miller of the Atoka/Coal County detachment of Troop E.
