A Tuesday afternoon drive on Interstate 44 in southwest Oklahoma City turned tragic when a woman was struck and killed after stepping onto the northbound lanes near Southwest 134th Street, according to police. Investigators say she was hit by a semi-truck and pronounced dead at the scene, and officers shut down the northbound side of the highway while they processed the area. Troopers with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol also responded.
Crash Under Investigation
Oklahoma City police are investigating the woman’s death as a possible suicide and say she walked onto the highway with her hands raised before being hit, according to News 9. The department said Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers assisted at the scene and urged drivers to steer clear of the northbound lanes of I-44 near Southwest 134th Street while crews worked. Police have not released any additional identifying details about the victim.
Mental Health Resources
Authorities and local outlets have noted the incident is being treated as a possible suicide, and it serves as a stark reminder that help is available for those in crisis. Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or an acute mental health emergency can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. According to SAMHSA, 988 connects people 24/7 with trained counselors who can provide immediate support and help link callers and texters to local services.
Pedestrian Safety In Central Oklahoma
Pedestrian-involved fatalities have been climbing nationally in recent years, and state safety officials urge extra caution around high-speed roadways like I-44, according to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. Local outreach efforts such as the “Watch for Me OK” campaign are designed to cut down on collisions by pairing public education with targeted enforcement in the Oklahoma City metro, per the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments’ traffic safety page (ACOG).
Oklahoma City police say their investigation into the woman’s death is ongoing and that more information will be released when it becomes available.
