Two Oklahoma men, Angel Walzier, 22, and James Kirk, 24, were arrested after 31-year-old Makayla Mitchell was killed while riding a sled being towed behind a vehicle on Jan. 25. Police say the tow rope snapped around 11 p.m., leaving Mitchell stopped on the roadway before a following car struck her and she was pronounced dead. Both drivers allegedly showed signs of impairment; blood draws were completed and both were booked on second-degree murder and aggravated DUI charges. Family members have launched a GoFundMe to support Mitchell’s daughter and cover funeral expenses.
Oklahoma Mom Killed While Being Towed On Sled — 2 Men Charged With Second‑Degree Murder And Aggravated DUI
Makayla MitchellGoFundMe
Two men have been arrested after a 31-year-old Oklahoma mother, Makayla Mitchell, was killed while riding a sled being towed behind a vehicle late on Sunday, Jan. 25, authorities said.
Details Of The Crash
According to a spokesperson for the Oklahoma City Police Department, Mitchell was on a sled attached to a car when the rope linking the sled to the vehicle snapped at about 11 p.m. The towing vehicle and sled reportedly stopped on the roadway, and a second vehicle traveling behind them struck Mitchell. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
James Kirk, left, and Angel Walzier.Oklahoma County Jail (2)
Charges And Investigation
Police identified the drivers as 22-year-old Angel Walzier, who was operating the towing vehicle, and 24-year-old James Kirk, who was driving the second vehicle. Both drivers were evaluated at the scene and, police say, showed "signs of impairment." The department obtained blood-draw warrants and completed blood tests for both men.
Both Walzier and Kirk have been booked on charges of second-degree murder and aggravated DUI. Jail records show Walzier is being held on $5 million bail. It was not immediately clear whether either man has entered a plea or retained legal counsel to speak on his behalf.
Family Response
"Makayla’s life was cut short in a senseless accident that has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled," loved ones wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to cover funeral expenses and support Mitchell's surviving daughter. They remembered her as a "vibrant soul who lived for her family."
Officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash as the legal process proceeds.
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