Left inset: Om Patel (Platte County Sheriff’s Office). Right inset: Tessa Walker (Park Hill School District). Background: The scene of the fiery crash that Om Patel allegedly caused, taking the life of Missouri high school senior Tessa Walker (WDAF/YouTube).
A tragic incident unfolded in Missouri when an 18-year-old, Om Patel, reportedly confessed to causing the death of a high school senior after crashing a BMW at a staggering speed of 102 mph in a 45 mph zone. According to police, the crash followed an alcohol-fueled birthday party.
The heartbreaking accident resulted in the death of Tessa Walker, a promising young athlete celebrated by her family and school for her talents in three sports. Patel emerged from the fiery wreckage of the 2024 BMW M4, which was covered in Walker’s blood. Investigators noted that Walker sustained a devastating head injury, including a “fractured skull with brain matter exposed,” as detailed in an arrest affidavit. During the chaotic aftermath, Patel reportedly confessed to a deputy, stating, “I drove and killed her.”
The affidavit recounts Patel’s admission of attending a party prior to the crash. The deadly accident occurred on March 22, near Missouri Highway 45 and North Main Street, just before 4:30 a.m., as reported by Platte County sheriff’s deputies. A third individual in the vehicle, who suffered moderate injuries, survived the crash, while Patel himself was unharmed.
Authorities, including members of the Crash Team, conducted a thorough investigation of the scene. Their findings indicated that the BMW had struck the ground before rolling over completely, ultimately coming to rest on its wheels facing west, as outlined in the affidavit.
“Members of the Crash Team conducted an investigation at the scene of the collision,” the affidavit says. “The BMW appeared to have impacted the ground before rolling over for one full rotation. The BMW came to rest on its wheels, facing west.”
Investigators located a set of tire marks and determined through a “speed scuff analysis” that Patel was traveling at “a speed of at least 102.65 mph” when he caused the tire marks, according to police. The BMW was “fully engulfed in flames” when deputies arrived at the scene.
“Once the fire was put out, responders located [Walker] deceased in the back passenger side of the BMW,” the affidavit says.
After launching their investigation, police discovered that the party Patel and Walker attended was for an 18-year-old’s birthday at a rented Airbnb.
“Evidence of underage consumption of alcohol was located,” the affidavit says.
Patel had a blood-alcohol content of .047% after the crash, which is over the legal limit for people under the age of 21 in Missouri.
“Tessa will forever be remembered for her wit and smile,” an obituary for Walker says. “She was an athlete, an artist and writer. She dominated in competitive volleyball, track and academics. If given time she would have indeed changed the world.”
Patel is facing a second-degree involuntary manslaughter charge. He could face up to four years in prison if convicted.