University College freshman John Bartholomew Betow, died Thursday after a traffic accident Wednesday night, according to the Oklahoma City Chief Medical Examiner's office.

Fatal Accident



o University College freshman John Bartholomew Betow died Thursday after a traffic accident Wednesday night, according to the Oklahoma City Chief Medical Examiner's office.



o Emergency Medical Services from Stroud transported Betow, who was in critical condition with head injuries, to University Hospital in Oklahoma City.



o Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported Bartholomew lost control of his car at the mile marker 181 on the Turner Turnpike.

While driving on the Turner Turnpike from OU to Tulsa at about 11 p.m. Wednesday, Betow lost control of his vehicle on the wet roadway at mile marker 181, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol accident report.

His car hit the median and rolled over the center wall, landing on the westbound side of the turnpike, according to the report.

Emergency Medical Services from Stroud transported Betow, who was in critical condition with head injuries, to University Hospital in Oklahoma City.

Betow, known as "Bart," was planning to study journalism and mass communication, as well as Spanish, at OU.

"In his short time at OU, Bart had already made a host of friends," said OU President David L. Boren in a statement released Thursday. "He set high standards for himself and was known for his kindness to others."

Betow's friends began sharing memories of his life and saying their good-byes through Facebook.com shortly after his death.

"It's amazing how people can come together like that through Facebook," said Mark Salvie, University College freshman who lived in the same hall as Betow in Adams Center.

At least 50 people posted comments on Betow's Facebook profile "wall" Thursday regarding how much he is loved and missed already.

"He was one of the nicest people I'd met at OU," Salvie said. "Everyone just seems to be in shock that he's gone."

Originally from Tulsa, Betow graduated last spring from Cascia Hall Preparatory School.

Marian McCarthy, a family friend of the Betows who lives in Tulsa, said that for as long as she has known Betow, he has had a kind heart.

"Bart was a beautiful young man with many, many gifts," McCarthy said. "From the moment I met him when he was 2 (years old), he has always been so caring of others."

She said Betow had a lot in store for him with his musical talent, and everyone expected him to go far in life.

"He was so talented, but he was never a big bragger," McCarthy said.

She said he has made everyone proud.

Boren offered sympathy on behalf of the OU family to all who have been affected by Betow's death.

"He lived his life in a way that captured the best of the Sooner spirit," Boren said.
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