Inset left to right: James Kirk and Angel Walzier (Oklahoma County Detention Center). Background: The intersection where a woman died while sledding in Oklahoma City (Google Maps).
In Oklahoma, a tragic sledding accident has led to the arrest of two individuals after a woman lost her life, as reported by local authorities.
James Kirk, age 23, and Angel Walzier, age 22, are facing charges of second-degree murder and driving under the influence, according to records from the Oklahoma County Jail. Additional charges against Kirk include child endangerment and causing a deadly accident while lacking a valid driver’s license.
The unfortunate event unfolded late Sunday night in Oklahoma City, near the intersection of Northwest 81st Street and North Walker Avenue, according to police statements.
At approximately 11 p.m., officers responded to reports of a collision in the poorly lit area, where a person had been struck by a vehicle.
Upon arrival, authorities found 30-year-old Makayla Mitchell, who was declared deceased at the scene, as confirmed by the Oklahoma City Police Department to local news outlets, including Fox affiliate KOKH and CBS affiliate KWTV.
According to police, Mitchell had been sledding on a sled that was tethered to a vehicle driven by Walzier.
During the incident, Walzier’s vehicle was traveling south on North Walker Avenue, pulling Mitchell on the sled, when the rope snapped, police said. The sled slowed to a halt in the middle of the road. Meanwhile, Kirk’s vehicle was traveling behind them and struck Mitchell, authorities claim.
Police said the street had no lamps, which contributed to poor visibility at the time of the incident. Officers, however, believed both drivers were also under the influence, so a drug recognition officer evaluated the defendants and found signs of impairment, according to law enforcement.
After that, investigators conducted blood tests on both Walzier and Kirk, and the pair were subsequently arrested, police said.
“It wasn’t intentional,” a friend of Mitchell’s family told KWTV. “It was just all a mistake. A tragic mistake.”
The friend insisted the defendants – who were part of the sledding group – should not be charged with murder.
“It shouldn’t be murder,” he added. “It could have happened to anybody.”
The victim was described as an outgoing host, a great cook, and a proud mother to her baby girl, who is just shy of 2 years old.
“Her daughter’s birthday is coming up,” the friend added. “And that’s all she was talking about all day yesterday. Her daughter’s birthday. Her daughter’s birthday. Her daughter – and then – it’s just sad because now her daughter, you know.”
