An Oklahoma mother who celebrated the birth of her long-awaited daughter just two years ago was killed in a devastating and unusual sledding accident — and the two friends involved now face murder charges.
Makayla Mitchell, 31, died late Sunday night after a sled she was riding was struck by a car during what police described as a reckless late-night joyride through Oklahoma City.
According to authorities, Mitchell had tied a sled to the back of a car driven by her friend, 22-year-old Angel Walzier. Another friend, 24-year-old James Kirk, followed closely behind in a separate vehicle as the group drove through city streets.
At some point, the rope connecting the sled to Walzier’s car frayed and snapped, leaving Mitchell stranded in the roadway. Police say Kirk, who was driving behind them, struck Mitchell with his vehicle, killing her almost instantly.
Both men were arrested at the scene after officers said they showed signs of impairment. Walzier and Kirk were booked on second-degree murder and aggravated DUI charges. Kirk was also charged with child endangerment, though it remains unclear whether Mitchell’s 2-year-old daughter was present at the time of the crash.
Despite the charges, Mitchell’s sister, Ladiedra Love, said she does not believe the men should spend their lives behind bars.
“I really don’t feel like they should be locked up for it,” Love said. “My sister wouldn’t want that. It would really just be another loss to the community.”
Love said Mitchell’s greatest joy in life was her daughter, Genesis — a child she once believed she would never have.
“She didn’t even know she could have children,” Love said. “The doctors told her she couldn’t. She prayed for her, and she got her. That was her miracle.”
In a GoFundMe created to help cover funeral costs and support Genesis, Love described the tragedy as the result of “a series of reckless and impaired decisions by others,” while emphasizing who Mitchell truly was beyond the headlines.
“Makayla wasn’t just a name in a news story,” she wrote. “She was a vibrant soul who lived for her family. She had an infectious laugh, a resilient spirit, and a heart that always put others first. Her greatest joy was being a mother.”
Mitchell is scheduled to be laid to rest on Feb. 7. As of now, the GoFundMe fundraiser has raised just over $500 to help support her daughter and cover funeral expenses.
What the hell is a 31 year-old woman hanging out with a 22- year old men? She was an idiot and so are they. Its tragic but actions have consequences.