Binger community mourns beloved mail carrier killed in car crash

A community mourns the loss of a beloved mail carrier, tragically killed in a car crash Friday night.

Mustang Police say the crash happened near Southwest 89th Street and State Highway 4 when a man slammed into the back of an SUV. Teresa Matthews had worked at the post office in Binger for around 10 years, where people remember her delivering mail in her orange Jeep. Those who knew her best remember her always being happy and the life of the party.

“She genuinely loved being alive,” said Hannah Stock, Matthews’ friend and former coworker.

Stock says that’s what makes the loss of the 54-year-old mother and grandmother even more painful.

“She just loved to wake up and be alive, and live and go with her family more than anybody I’ve ever met,” said Stock.

According to Mustang police, just after 8 p.m. Friday, an SUV was stopped at a red light at the intersection. Police say 45-year-old David Gellenbeck slammed into the back of the SUV, killing Matthews and critically injuring three others, including her husband. Gellenbeck fled the scene, but officers located him about a mile away and took him into custody.

“You don’t notice that positive light in your life is gone until it’s not there,” Stock said.

People in Binger quickly learned the news and, like Stock, are still trying to come to terms with Matthews’ death.

“It’s just that person that was part of your life that you may not think about in that moment but when they’re not there, your day’s a little longer,” Stock said tearfully.

Stock feels the community will always remember her smile and the happiness she brought to those around her.

“I hope she can live on through everybody,” she said.

Matthews’ coworkers at the post office remember her as a beautiful person and say she will be sorely missed. Meanwhile, her husband is still in the hospital. No word on the condition of the other two people injured.

Mustang police confirm the crash is still under investigation, but preliminary findings reveal fog and excessive speed were contributing factors. Gellenbeck was booked into the Canadian County jail on complaints of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, and reckless driving.