18-Year-Old Dies in Crash on the Way to Kansas City Chiefs Game After Mom Surprises Him with Tickets

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:GoFundMe

GoFundMe

An Oklahoma community is mourning the loss of an “outstanding young man” who died in a car crash ahead of the latestKansas City Chiefs game.

Connor Barba, an 18-year-old from Norman, Okla., was “shocked” when his mom told him they were going to theMonday Night Footballmatchup between the Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, surprising him with tickets to celebrate his birthday, according to aGoFundMeset up on behalf of his family.

According to a Kansas Highway Patrolcrash report, a Chevrolet Camaro traveling in the southbound lane crossed the center “for an unknown reason” before striking the family’s vehicle in the northbound lane.

Megan, 41, was seriously injured in the accident and is currently in the intensive care unit at a hospital in Tulsa, Okla., according to the GoFundMe, which raised over $90,000.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Colin Barnett, Connor’s uncle, told the outlet that “Connor swerved right in a way and slammed on the brakes as hard as he could.““When Connor did that, he took the full brunt of the [Camaro],” he added, sharing that he believed those actions likely saved the boy’s mom.

The boy’s uncle told KOCO that the teen “really wanted to seeBaker Mayfieldplay” while his mom “wanted to see the Chiefs” and was likely hoping to catch a glimpse ofTaylor Swiftcheering on boyfriendTravis Kelce.

“He was an outstanding young man,” Connor’s uncle continued. “He had a lot of light. He had an incredible amount of joy and an incredible smile.”

source: people.com