An 18-year-old from Oklahoma tragically lost her life in a late-night incident on a bustling interstate, reports indicate. The teenager, Lani Hicks from Ardmore, was involved in a fatal accident while traveling with four companions, according to officials.
On Saturday night at around 11:30 p.m., Hicks was riding along Interstate 35 when she decided to sit on the windowsill of the front passenger seat. The vehicle, driven by 19-year-old Mylie Campbell, continued down the highway as Hicks precariously positioned herself with part of her body outside the car, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol confirmed.
The situation took a tragic turn near mile marker 50 when Hicks fell from the moving car into the path of oncoming traffic, where she was hit by multiple vehicles, authorities revealed.
In the aftermath of the incident, it was reported that one other passenger sustained injuries. None of the occupants, including Hicks, were wearing seatbelts at the time, as noted by investigators and reported by KTEN.
A spokesperson for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol informed the Daily Mail that, at this stage, there is no indication that criminal charges will be pursued in relation to Hicks’ untimely death.
A spokesperson with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol told the Daily Mail that the agency does not ‘have any reason to believe that criminal charges will be filed’ in connection to Hicks’ death.
There is also ‘no evidence to suggest that drugs or alcohol played a role in this tragic incident,’ which they said ‘appears to be a devastating accident.’
‘Our hearts go out to Lani’s family during this incredibly difficult time, and they remain in our thoughts and prayers as this investigation concludes,’ the spokesperson added.
Lani Hicks, 18, died on Saturday evening after she fell out of a moving car on I-35 in Oklahoma after sitting in the front passenger’s seat windowsill, police said
After falling from the car, Hicks (pictured on the right with her sister) was fatally struck by multiple vehicles
It is unclear why Hicks sat in the window, or how fast the car was going at the time of the accident.
Hicks is remembered by those who knew her as someone with a ‘vibrant personality that brought joy to everyone around her,’ according to a GoFundMe page.
She leaves behind her father, mother, and older sister.
‘Her sudden passing has left her family and friends heartbroken, and the loss is felt deeply throughout the community,’ the donation page read. ‘By coming together, we can help ease some of the stress and allow Lani’s family to focus on healing and remembering their beloved daughter.’
As of Monday afternoon, more than $9,000 had been raised to help her grieving family.
Tributes for Hicks have also poured in online, with one friend calling her ‘the sweetest ever.’
Hicks leaves behind her father, mother, and older sister (pictured together)
‘It’s so heartbreaking to see she’s gone so young. Every time I saw her, which wasn’t often these past few years…we’d always catch up for a second or two and I loved to hear about what she was doing with her life,’ one mourner wrote on Facebook.
‘My heart sank into my stomach this morning when I saw the news. Lani was such a beautiful soul, I’m glad to have known her these past 10 years,’ another griever posted.
The incident remains under investigation.
A similar incident took place in August 2022, leading to the death of 18-year-old Lynette Trinkle.
Trinkle was traveling in a car with friends after being picked up from a party in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, around 2.30am when tragedy struck.
Trinkle, who was the front seat passenger, attempted to ride from the windowsill of the car after seeing another vehicle full of her friends do the same as they passed by on the road.
Hicks has been remembered as someone with a ‘vibrant personality that brought joy to everyone around her,’ a GoFundMe page read
Lynette Trinkle, 18, died after leaning out of a car window in 2022.
But as she did so, the teen lost her balance and fell out, leaving her with severe head trauma and road rash.
Life-saving efforts were performed on Trinkle, but she died from her injuries.
According to the medical examiner, the vehicle she was riding in was going about 40 to 50mph in a 35mph zone.
The driver denied being under the influence, FOX 6 reported.
