Tragedy struck the Hartshorne community this weekend as three people — including two emergency responders and a local volunteer — lost their lives in separate incidents connected to the annual H-Town Throwdown drag racing event, officials confirmed Saturday.
According to McAlester and Pittsburg County Emergency Management, two first responders were killed Saturday afternoon when a Volkswagen participating in the event lost control and crashed into a crowd of spectators. A third fatality occurred Friday evening, when a volunteer was electrocuted while helping prepare for the races.
Two First Responders Killed in Saturday Crash
Emergency Management Director Leonard Baughman confirmed that two emergency personnel — Alderson Fire Chief Jim McCoy and Haileyville Police Officer Brian Mathis — were among those killed when a racing vehicle veered off course during the H-Town Throwdown on Saturday. Several others were injured in the crash.
“Our hearts are broken for the families, friends, and fellow responders affected by this unimaginable loss,” Baughman said in a statement. “These individuals gave themselves in service to our community, and their sacrifice will be felt across all of Pittsburg County.”
Officials have not yet released additional details about the cause of the crash, which remains under investigation.
Volunteer Electrocuted Friday During Event Setup
Authorities also confirmed the death of Justin Faulkner, a local volunteer and husband of Hartshorne Mayor Ashley McCullan Faulkner, who was tragically killed in an accident Friday evening while setting up equipment for the event.
According to Mayor Faulkner, her husband was positioning a light tower when it came into contact with a live electrical line, resulting in a fatal electrocution.
In a heartfelt post shared to Facebook, Mayor Faulkner expressed her grief and love for her late husband:
“I don’t even know how to say it — I’m broken. I don’t believe there should be a world without Faulkner. He’s the best human, and I’m so lucky to have had 22 years with him.
This is the worst kind of loss. My heart breaks for Cash and Ridge — they love their dad so much. Faulkner loved deeply, and family was everything to him. An unfortunate accident took my favorite person in this world.”
She also thanked the community for its overwhelming support:
“Thank you to everyone for the calls, messages, prayers, and drop-offs. I am thankful for the support of family, friends, and community.”
Community Response and Vigil Planned
The tragic series of events has left the Hartshorne community reeling. The Hartshorne First Assembly of God, located at North 13th Street and Penn Avenue, announced it will host a public candlelight prayer service on Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. to honor and remember those who lost their lives.
“The Hartshorne community has experienced an unimaginable tragedy within the past 24 hours,” the church said in a statement. “We invite everyone to come together in prayer, lifting up and surrounding their families, friends, and loved ones with love and support.”
Annual Event Shaken by Tragedy
The H-Town Throwdown, held annually in downtown Hartshorne, is a popular drag racing event that draws participants and spectators from across the region as part of the city’s fall festival.
This year’s event, however, has been marked by profound tragedy and loss. Local officials and emergency management leaders said they are working closely with law enforcement and event organizers to determine what led to the incidents and how to prevent future accidents.
An Outpouring of Support
In the wake of the tragedies, an outpouring of love, condolences, and tributes has flooded social media from across Pittsburg County and beyond. Residents, colleagues, and fellow first responders have described McCoy, Mathis, and Faulkner as dedicated public servants and beloved members of the community who embodied the spirit of service and sacrifice.
“These were individuals who gave everything for their neighbors,” Baughman said. “Their loss is not only deeply personal for their families but also for everyone in Pittsburg County who depended on their courage and compassion.”
Continuing Investigation
Authorities said further information will be released as it becomes available and as families grant permission. Meanwhile, officials are urging the public to respect the privacy of the victims’ families during this period of mourning.
