A weekend meant for excitement and community bonding turned into one of heartbreak and tragedy in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, as three people — including two first responders and a local volunteer — lost their lives in separate incidents tied to the annual H-Town Throwdown drag racing event, officials confirmed Saturday.
Two First Responders Killed During Saturday’s Race
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The tragedy unfolded Saturday afternoon when a Volkswagen race car lost control during a run and careened into a crowd of spectators. According to Pittsburg County Emergency Management, Alderson Fire Chief Jim McCoy and Haileyville Police Officer Brian Mathis were among those killed in the crash. Several others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
“Our hearts are broken for the families, friends, and fellow responders affected by this unimaginable loss,” said Emergency Management Director Leonard Baughman. “These individuals gave themselves in service to others, and their loss will be deeply felt across Pittsburg County and beyond.”
Authorities have not yet released full details on the cause of the crash, but the investigation remains ongoing as officials work with event organizers to determine what went wrong.
Volunteer Fatally Electrocuted During Event Setup
Just a day earlier, on Friday evening, tragedy had already struck when Justin Faulkner, a local volunteer and husband of Hartshorne Mayor Ashley McCullan Faulkner, was electrocuted while setting up equipment for the event.
Authorities said Faulkner was positioning a light tower when it made contact with an active electrical line. Despite immediate efforts to save him, he died at the scene.
In a heartbreaking Facebook post, Mayor Faulkner expressed her grief, writing,
“I don’t even know how to say it — I’m broken. There shouldn’t be a world without Faulkner. He was the best human, and I’m so lucky to have had 22 years with him. My heart breaks for our boys, Cash and Ridge. Faulkner loved deeply, and family was everything to him.”
She also thanked the community for its prayers, calls, and acts of kindness during this painful time.
A Community in Mourning
The series of tragedies has left the Hartshorne community reeling. The Hartshorne First Assembly of God Church announced it will hold a candlelight prayer vigil at 6 p.m. on Sunday to honor McCoy, Mathis, and Faulkner.
In a statement, church leaders said, “Our hearts are heavy. We invite everyone to come together to pray for healing, comfort, and strength for the families affected by these unimaginable losses.”
An Annual Tradition Marred by Tragedy
The H-Town Throwdown, a beloved local event that typically draws racers and visitors from across the state, has now been overshadowed by grief. Officials say they are working with law enforcement and safety experts to review event procedures and ensure that future races prioritize public safety.
Remembering the Fallen
Tributes have poured in from first responder agencies, community leaders, and residents across Pittsburg County. Each of the victims — McCoy, Mathis, and Faulkner — is being remembered as a selfless public servant whose dedication and compassion made a lasting mark.
“These three men represented the very best of what it means to serve,” said Director Baughman. “Their courage, commitment, and love for their community will never be forgotten.”
As Hartshorne begins the difficult process of healing, one message resonates throughout the county — a call for unity, compassion, and remembrance.
Gone too soon, but never forgotten — Chief Jim McCoy, Officer Brian Mathis, and Justin Faulkner will forever remain heroes in the hearts of the people they served.