Tragic Sledding Incident Claims Life of Oklahoma Mother
An Oklahoma City community is mourning the loss of a young mother following a devastating sledding accident that occurred late on Sunday night. Makayla Mitchell, aged 31, lost her life in what authorities describe as a preventable tragedy on a snow-covered residential street.
Details of the Fatal Evening
According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, the incident unfolded around 11pm when Mitchell participated in an impromptu sledding activity with friends. She was riding on a sled that had been attached by a rope to a car driven by Angel Walzier, 21. As the vehicle pulled her along the darkened, unlit road, the connection suddenly failed.
The rope either broke or slipped off, leaving Mitchell stranded on her sled in the middle of the street. At that moment, another vehicle driven by James Kirk, 23, who was following behind Walzier's car, struck the young mother. Mitchell was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Arrests and Serious Charges
Both drivers were taken into custody after showing signs of impairment at the scene. Following blood tests, Walzier and Kirk were formally booked on charges of second-degree murder and aggravated driving under the influence. The police investigation suggests that intoxication played a significant role in the fatal sequence of events.
Devon Hackett, a friend who was present that evening, described the group as friends simply trying to enjoy the snowy weather. "We were all just trying to have some fun in the snow," Hackett told News9, calling what happened a "tragic mistake." He expressed strong disagreement with the murder charges, stating, "It shouldn't be murder. It wasn't intentional. It could've happened to anybody."
A Life Remembered
Heartbreakingly, Mitchell had been sledding with her beloved one-year-old daughter on a similar road just the night before her death. Footage shows the pair smiling and enjoying their time together in the snow. Friends remember Mitchell as a vibrant, caring individual who cherished her role as a mother.
"Her daughter's birthday is coming up, and that's all she was talking about all day yesterday," Hackett recalled, becoming emotional. "Her daughter's birthday, her daughter's birthday, her daughter's birthday. And it's just sad because now her daughter, you know..."
A GoFundMe page established by Mitchell's loved ones describes her as "a vibrant soul who lived for her family" with an "infectious laugh that could light up the darkest room." The page emphasizes her resilient spirit and dedication to her daughter, stating, "Her greatest joy: being a mother to her beautiful daughter."
Community Response and Funeral Arrangements
The fundraising effort aims to support funeral expenses and provide for Mitchell's young daughter. Her funeral is scheduled for February 5th according to the donation page. Meanwhile, the investigation continues as authorities piece together the exact circumstances of that fateful night.
In a grim coincidence, Mitchell's death occurred on the same day that another teenager, Elizabeth Marie Angle, was killed in a separate sledding incident in Frisco, Texas. That accident involved a Jeep pulling a sled that struck a tree, resulting in one fatality and another teenager in critical condition.
The Oklahoma City Police Department has been contacted for further comment regarding the charges and ongoing investigation. As the legal process unfolds, Mitchell's friends and family focus on preserving her memory and supporting the daughter she adored.
