by Oklahoma City, OK – Two people are facing serious criminal charges after a 30-year-old woman was killed during a late-night sledding incident in Oklahoma City, where police say she was being pulled behind a vehicle before being struck by another car. Investigators allege both drivers involved were impaired at the time of the fatal crash.
Incident Overview
James Kirk, 23, and Angel Walzier, 22, have each been charged with second-degree murder and driving under the influence, according to Oklahoma County jail records. Kirk is also charged with child endangerment and causing a fatal accident without a valid driver’s license in connection with the death of Makayla Mitchell, 30.
The incident occurred late Sunday night near the intersection of Northwest 81st Street and North Walker Avenue in Oklahoma City, police said.
Timeline of Events
Officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department were called to the area around 11 p.m. after receiving reports that a person had been struck by a vehicle. The location was described by authorities as dimly lit, with no street lamps illuminating the roadway.
When officers arrived, Mitchell was found unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said Mitchell had been riding on a sled attached by a rope to a vehicle driven by Walzier. As Walzier’s vehicle traveled south on North Walker Avenue, the rope allegedly snapped, causing the sled to come to a stop in the middle of the roadway.
Details From Police
According to investigators, Kirk was driving a second vehicle behind Walzier at the time of the incident. After the sled came to a stop, Kirk’s vehicle allegedly struck Mitchell, causing fatal injuries.
Police said the lack of street lighting contributed to poor visibility, but officers also suspected that both drivers were impaired. A drug recognition officer evaluated Walzier and Kirk at the scene and observed signs of impairment, law enforcement officials said.
Investigators later obtained blood samples from both drivers as part of the investigation. Following the results and witness statements, both Walzier and Kirk were taken into custody.
Charges Filed
Both defendants were booked on second-degree murder and DUI charges. In addition to those counts, Kirk faces child endangerment charges, as well as a charge for causing a fatal accident without a valid driver’s license, jail records show.
Authorities have not released details regarding whether a child was present in Kirk’s vehicle at the time of the crash.
Witness and Family Reaction
Friends of Mitchell’s family expressed grief and disbelief following the incident. One family friend told KWTV that the death was a tragic accident rather than an intentional act.
“It wasn’t intentional,” the friend said. “It was just all a mistake. A tragic mistake.”
The friend also questioned the murder charges, saying the defendants were part of the same sledding group.
“It shouldn’t be murder,” he added. “It could have happened to anybody.”
Remembering the Victim
Mitchell was described by those who knew her as an outgoing host, a talented cook, and a devoted mother. She leaves behind a young daughter, just shy of 2 years old, whom friends said was the center of her life.
“Her daughter’s birthday is coming up,” the family friend said. “And that’s all she was talking about all day yesterday. Her daughter’s birthday.”
The friend trailed off while speaking about the child, noting the heartbreak of the girl growing up without her mother.
Public Safety Context
Law enforcement officials have repeatedly warned against vehicle-towed sledding, describing it as extremely dangerous even under ideal conditions. Poor lighting, alcohol or drug impairment, and the absence of safety restraints can significantly increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Authorities emphasized that drivers operating vehicles while impaired — particularly in unconventional or risky activities — endanger not only passengers and participants, but also others on the roadway.
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