Two First Responders Killed During Hartshorne, OK, Drag Racing Event

Three people have died, including a firefighter and police officer, during the annual Hartshorne drag racing event.

Nov. 2, 2025

Editor's note: Local social media accounts report that a firefighter and police officer were killed Saturday during an accident at the race. Firehouse staff is still working to confirm these details.

McAlester News-Capital, Okla.
(TNS)

HARTSHORNE — Emergency Management officials have confirmed three deaths this weekend at a racing event in Hartshorne.

According to information released by McAlester and Pittsburg County Emergency Management, one person died Friday night and two first responders died Saturday.

A press release from the county’s Emergency Management states the death on the evening of Friday, Oct. 31 happened during preparations for the H-Town Throwdown Races.

The other two individuals, confirmed as first responders, died Saturday, Nov. 1 during a vehicle accident at the races, according to Leonard Baughman, McAlester/Pittsburg County Emergency Management Director.

“Our hearts are broken for the families, friends and fellow responders affected by this unimaginable loss,” Baughman said. “These individuals gave themselves in service to our community, and their sacrifice will be felt across all of Pittsburg County.”

Emergency Management officials have asked “everyone to honor the privacy of the victims’ families and keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”