Two emergency responders were fatally injured on Saturday, November 1, in a tragic racing accident at the H-Town Throwdown no-prep racing event in the Oklahoma town of Hartshorne.
The McAlester city/Pittsburg County Emergency Management later confirmed the passing of two of its own, who were on-site providing emergency medical support to the event.
“Our hearts are broken for the families, friends, and fellow responders affected by this unimaginable loss,” said Leonard Baughman, McAlester/Pittsburg County Emergency Management Director. “These individuals gave themselves in service to our community, and their sacrifice will be felt across all of Pittsburg County. We respectfully ask everyone to honor the privacy of the victims’ families and keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
The H-Town Throwdown is held annually on Apollo Road, a closed-off public roadway in a business district on the northwestern part of Hartshorne. The crash occurred when a vehicle racing in the left lane lost control and left the roadway, where it struck an unprotected tree and a group of bystanders that included the event’s emergency responders. The remainder of the event was cancelled following the incident.
Out of respect for the families, the identities of the accident victims have not been released. Further information will be shared as it becomes available and as the families grant permission.
Pittsburg County Emergency Management confirmed that a third individual had passed away on Friday evening while assisting with event preparations. That volunteer was identified as Justin Faulkner, the husband of the Mayor of Hartshorne.
“An unfortunate accident has taken my favorite person in this world. As he was finishing up setting up for the races last night, he was putting light plants up. The back of light plant was a little close to an electrical line, and he didn’t realize it; it hit, and he was electrocuted,” Ashley Faulkner confirmed in a social media post.
Our thoughts are with those who were lost, their families, and all who were involved in Saturday’s tragic events.
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