HARTSHORNE, Okla. — Three men, two first responders and one volunteer, were killed during separate incidents at the annual “H-Town Throwdown” drag racing event in Hartshorne, prompting investigations and an outpouring of grief from the community.
Volunteer Justin Faulkner was killed on Oct. 31 while setting up lighting ahead of the event. Authorities said the incident occurred during pre-race preparations at the airstrip where the event was held.
On Nov. 1, Chief Jim McCoy of Alderson Fire Department and Haileyville Police Reserve Officer Clint Lawrence died in a separate incident after their car crashed during a race, KJRH reported.
The announcement of the deaths was posted on the McAlester-Pittsburg County Emergency Management Facebook page.
“Our hearts are broken for the families, friends, and fellow responders affected by this unimaginable loss,” McAlester/Pittsburg County Emergency Management Director Leonard Baughman said. “These individuals gave themselves in service to our community, and their sacrifice will be felt across all of Pittsburg County. We respectfully ask everyone to honor the privacy of the victims’ families and keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Both fatal incidents remain under investigation. Donations for all families involved are accepted at both towns’ city halls and on this GoFundMe page.
Support the families of fallen responders
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support the families of
Chief Jim McCoy, Reserve Officer Clint Lawrence,
and volunteer Justin Faulkner, who were killed in separate
incidents during the “H-Town Throwdown” drag racing event in Hartshorne, Oklahoma.
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