PRYOR, Okla. — A quiet Tuesday evening in Pryor turned into every family’s worst nightmare when a 1-year-old child was fatally struck by a vehicle in a heartbreaking accident that has left the community grieving.
According to investigators, the tragedy happened around 8:41 p.m. near Highway 69 and West 520 Road. Authorities said a driver was backing out of a private driveway while attempting to turn around and leave the property when the vehicle struck the young child.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene within minutes. Multiple agencies responded, including Pryor Creek Police, Pryor Creek Fire, MESTA, the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, GRDA Police, and the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service.
Despite urgent efforts by first responders, the child’s injuries were severe. Officials said life-saving measures began immediately as emergency personnel worked desperately to help the victim.
Pryor Creek Police Chief Jeremy Cantrell said officers first encountered a vehicle transporting the child toward the hospital and immediately joined in providing emergency medical assistance. Responders continued those efforts as additional agencies arrived.
Sadly, despite the coordinated response and attempts to save the child’s life, the young victim was later pronounced dead. The devastating loss has shaken many throughout the area.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is leading the investigation and continues to examine exactly how the incident unfolded. Authorities have not released the identity of the child or additional information regarding the driver involved.
No charges have been announced, and investigators say the case remains active as they work to determine the full sequence of events.
Chief Cantrell expressed his condolences to the grieving family and asked residents to keep both the family and the first responders involved in their thoughts. As the investigation continues, the community of Pryor is mourning the loss of a child whose life ended far too soon in a tragedy that has touched countless hearts.
