A winter thrill ride in northwest Oklahoma City ended in tragedy late Sunday when a 31-year-old woman was killed after the sled she was riding was hit by a car. Police say the sled had been tied to a vehicle when the tow rope snapped, leaving the victim in the roadway, where she was struck by a trailing car. The woman, identified as Makayla Mitchell, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers arrested two drivers and are investigating whether impairment played a role.
What police say
According to Oklahoma City police, officers were called around 11:10 p.m. Sunday for a report of a pedestrian crash near Northwest 81st Street and Walker Avenue. Investigators say Mitchell had been riding a sled that was tied to a southbound vehicle. When the rope securing the sled broke near Northwest 82nd Street, the sled stopped in the roadway and was hit by a following vehicle. That account was outlined by law enforcement and local reporters at the scene, as reported by KOCO.
Arrests and charges
Police arrested 22-year-old Angel Walzier and 24-year-old James Kirk on complaints that include second-degree murder and aggravated DUI. Booking records show Kirk also faces child-endangerment and causing-a-fatality collision complaints for allegedly driving without a valid license. Both were booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center early Monday morning, and court dates have not yet been set. Those details come from Oklahoma County booking records and local coverage by Oklahoma City Free Press.
Investigation and evidence
A Drug Recognition Officer evaluated both drivers for possible impairment, and police say blood-draw warrants were obtained and carried out at the scene. Investigators told reporters the people involved appeared to be part of the same group that had been sledding on neighborhood streets. Police have not classified the incident as a homicide and say the investigation remains open, according to reporting by KOCO.
Friends and reaction
Friends who were with the group described what started as a low-key sledding outing that suddenly turned horrific. One witness told reporters the crash felt like a terrible mistake rather than a deliberate act. “It wasn’t intentional. It could’ve happened to anybody,” the witness said, according to AOL. Reports indicate Mitchell leaves behind a young daughter, and friends shared videos and memories on social media in the hours after the crash, according to local coverage.
Legal implications
The complaints were submitted by investigators, and prosecutors will decide whether to move forward with formal charges after reviewing the reports and evidence. So far, authorities say both suspects remain in custody and court dates have not yet been scheduled, as reported by the Oklahoma City Free Press.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and the case is still under review. This story will be updated as prosecutors make charging decisions or the department releases additional details.
