A devastating accident during the “H-Town Throw Down” in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, has resulted in the death of three people and left the entire Pittsburg County community in profound mourning. The tragic crash occurred Saturday when a vehicle participating in the event lost control, veered off the course, and slammed into a crowd of gathered spectators. Emergency services rushed immediately to the scene to treat multiple victims with injuries ranging from minor to critical.
The heartbreak is particularly deep as officials have confirmed that two of the three deceased victims were local heroes—a dedicated police officer and a brave firefighter. These individuals, who gave their lives in service to their community, were attending the automotive exhibition when the catastrophic incident took place. The news has sent ripples of grief through every local emergency response agency, with colleagues calling the victims “heroes on and off duty” and sharing messages of deep sorrow for their lost partners.
Amidst the official confirmation, the family of Justin Faulkner is grieving the loss of their loved one, whom they confirm was among those killed. They are asking for prayers for his grieving wife, Ashley McCullar Faulkner, and their children, Cash and Ridge. A family member tearfully described Justin as “a shining light to all that knew him,” emphasizing the tremendous void his sudden passing has left. The collective outpouring of support from friends and neighbors shows just how much this kind man will be missed by the community he was a part of.
The McAlester Pittsburg County Emergency Management reported that the incident occurred during a drag race or burnout exhibition. A Volkswagen unexpectedly lost control, swerving from the track and directly into the viewing area. Officials have sealed off the scene as the Oklahoma Highway Patrol begins a full investigation into the crash. Authorities will be looking closely at the specifics of the event, including the possibility that inadequate safety barriers or track conditions may have played a part in the accident.
Adding to the shock, event organizers confirmed that the chaos on Saturday followed a separate, earlier tragedy. Another individual had passed away on Friday while preparing for the event. This earlier death is also under investigation. The back-to-back incidents have cast a long, heavy shadow over the popular annual gathering, which usually draws enthusiasts from across Oklahoma and neighboring states.
Leonard Baughman, Director of Emergency Management, summed up the county’s feelings: “Our community has suffered an unspeakable loss. We stand together in support of the families of those who gave everything.” As vigils and memorials are being planned to honor the victims, emergency personnel and leaders are urgently asking for prayers and unwavering support for those who have been injured and the families struggling to cope with this sudden, unimaginable loss.
