Two Goldsby, OK, Firefighters Killed in Water Tanker Crash

Two volunteer firefighters with the Goldsby Fire Department died early Friday morning while responding to a structure fire.

According to a statement from the town of Goldsby, Bryan Jenkins, 64, and Todd Pendleton, 62, died in a motor vehicle accident while operating a fire department tanker.

“The loss of these individuals is devastating to our town and the entire firefighting community,” the statement read. “We ask that you please keep their families and our first responders in your thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.

Jenkins was a 35-year veteran firefighter and has served Cleveland County since 1987, according to a press release from Alyse Moore, director of communications for Cleveland County.

He has also served as the Cleveland County Fairgrounds manager since 2024. The release described Jenkins as a public servant who was full of courage, professionalism and an “unwavering commitment to those around him.”

“This tragic loss is deeply felt across the county and community,” the Cleveland County release stated. “Our deepest condolences go out to Bryan Jenkins’ family, friends, colleagues, and fellow first responders during this incredibly difficult time. We are also thinking of and praying for the family of the other first responder who lost their life.”

Pendleton was a 12-year veteran firefighter.

According to Lt. Mark Southall with Oklahoma Highway Patrol, in the initial investigation, the fire truck was headed eastbound on Redbud Road, departed the roadway to the right, moved back on the roadway and departed to the left where it struck a tree.

Goldsby Town Hall is closed Friday. The volunteer firefighters will be escorted through Goldsby to Purcell along State Highway 74 after 1 p.m. Friday.

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