Carlos Arteaga, 21, and Felix Aguilar, 28, Victims of Fatal Tulsa Motorcycle Crash on I-444 — Young Rider Killed, Second Seriously Injured in High-Speed Wrong-Way Collision Caused by Suspected Drunk Driver James Basse Delton, 64
Tulsa, OK — What began as a normal Sunday evening ride turned into unspeakable tragedy on June 1, 2025, when 21-year-old Carlos Arteaga of Broken Arrow was killed in a horrific wrong-way crash on Interstate 444 in downtown Tulsa. A second motorcyclist, 28-year-old Felix Aguilar, was also severely injured and remains hospitalized in guarded condition. The driver responsible for the wreck, identified as 64-year-old James Basse Delton of Tulsa, is now facing serious felony charges, including first-degree manslaughter and driving under the influence.
The Scene: A Calm Ride Shattered in Seconds
Shortly after 9 p.m. on a clear and dry evening, multiple witnesses reported a dark-colored 2023 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck barreling the wrong way on I-444. The vehicle, traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes near South Denver Avenue, failed to stop or slow down before colliding head-on with two oncoming motorcycles.
According to investigators with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), the motorcyclists were riding westbound in the left lane and had no time to react. Dashcam and surveillance footage later confirmed that the Silverado entered the wrong direction via an off-ramp at East 6th Street, driving nearly two miles before the deadly impact.
The force of the collision threw both riders from their bikes. First responders who arrived on the scene within minutes found Carlos Arteaga unresponsive and severely injured. Medics attempted lifesaving measures, but Arteaga was pronounced dead at the scene. His motorcycle had been torn apart, parts strewn across several lanes of traffic. Aguilar, suffering serious injuries to his legs, ribs, and internal organs, was rushed to OSU Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Carlos Arteaga: A Life Cut Short
Carlos Arteaga, just 21 years old, had recently celebrated his birthday. Described by family and friends as ambitious, deeply kind-hearted, and mechanically gifted, Carlos had dreams of becoming an aviation mechanic. When he wasn’t working at his uncle’s auto shop in Broken Arrow, he spent time with his close-knit group of friends, often riding together on Oklahoma’s backroads and highways.
His mother, Rosa Arteaga, shared through tears, “Carlos was our light. He was smart, driven, funny. He loved motorcycles, but he was always safe. This wasn’t supposed to happen. That man killed him.”
Carlos’s death sent shockwaves through his family, his church community, and local motorcycle clubs. A memorial ride is being planned by friends and fellow riders to honor his life and raise awareness about the dangers of impaired and reckless driving.
Felix Aguilar: Fighting to Recover
Felix Aguilar, a longtime friend of Carlos and fellow Broken Arrow resident, had joined the ride on his own Harley-Davidson that evening. Known among his peers as “Fix,” Felix is a local barber and small business owner who uses his shop as a place to mentor at-risk teens.
Family members report that Felix has already undergone two surgeries and faces a long road to recovery. “He’s awake, he knows Carlos is gone,” said his sister, Isabel Aguilar. “He can’t stop crying. He keeps saying it should’ve been him.”
Doctors at OSU Medical Center say Felix’s condition remains serious but stable. He is expected to survive but may require extensive physical therapy and trauma counseling in the months ahead.
The Driver: James Basse Delton Under Investigation
The man behind the wheel of the Silverado, James Basse Delton, 64, was taken to the hospital for evaluation after the crash. Police say Delton was heavily intoxicated at the scene. Blood-alcohol results are pending, but preliminary field tests indicate impairment well above the legal limit.
Delton has a prior arrest record including a DUI conviction from 2012. Authorities have stated that charges of first-degree manslaughter, DUI, and reckless endangerment will be formally filed once he is released from medical supervision. As of now, he remains under guard at the hospital.
Tulsa Police Sergeant Brandon Watson commented, “This crash was 100% preventable. A man made the selfish decision to drink, drive the wrong way on a highway, and ended a young man’s life. We are working closely with prosecutors to ensure justice is served.”
Community Response and Outrage
As news of the crash spread throughout Tulsa and Broken Arrow, local residents gathered at the scene the following day to leave flowers, candles, and photos in memory of Carlos Arteaga. Social media was flooded with tributes, videos, and messages of sorrow.
A GoFundMe page launched by family friends to help with funeral expenses surpassed $25,000 within 48 hours. Felix’s family has also launched a separate fundraiser to support his long-term medical care.
City leaders and community activists are calling for renewed public awareness campaigns targeting drunk driving and improved road signage to prevent wrong-way entries onto major highways. “This isn’t the first time something like this has happened on I-444,” said District 4 Councilwoman Laura Bell. “It has to be the last.”
Impaired Driving: A Persistent Threat
Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of DUI-related deaths in the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 32% of traffic fatalities in the state involve alcohol-impaired drivers. In Tulsa County alone, there were 78 alcohol-related crash fatalities in 2024.
Transportation safety advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of DUI laws, increased use of ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders, and stronger community education efforts.
“Carlos Arteaga didn’t stand a chance,” said Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) state director Julie Bryant. “One drunk decision destroyed two families. It’s past time we treat impaired driving like the violent crime that it is.”
A Call for Accountability and Healing
The crash that killed Carlos Arteaga and injured Felix Aguilar is not just a traffic incident—it’s a criminal act with lifelong consequences. Prosecutors are expected to pursue full felony charges against Delton, and local officials have promised a thorough investigation.
Meanwhile, the Arteaga and Aguilar families continue to grapple with grief and uncertainty. Carlos’s funeral is scheduled for Friday, June 7, at First Baptist Church of Broken Arrow. Friends, family, and fellow motorcyclists are expected to attend in large numbers. Felix’s recovery will likely keep him hospitalized for several more weeks.
As the community mourns and seeks answers, one thing is clear: Carlos Arteaga’s name will not be forgotten. His death has sparked renewed dialogue about road safety, justice, and the real human toll of impaired driving.
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