The community of Hartshorne is shattered this weekend after three lives were tragically lost in two separate incidents linked to the annual H-Town Throwdown drag racing event. Local officials confirmed that a firefighter, a police officer, and a community volunteer all lost their lives within a 24-hour period — leaving Pittsburg County in deep collective mourning.
Two First Responders Killed in Crowd Crash
On Saturday afternoon, a Volkswagen participating in the drag racing portion of the event suddenly lost traction and veered into a crowd of spectators. Authorities have now confirmed that Alderson Fire Chief Jim McCoy and Haileyville Police Officer Brian Mathis were both killed in the devastating crash. Several other individuals were injured.
Leonard Baughman, Director of McAlester & Pittsburg County Emergency Management, released a somber statement honoring the fallen responders:
“Our hearts are broken for the families, friends, and fellow responders affected by this unimaginable loss. These individuals gave themselves in service to our community, and their sacrifice will be felt across all of Pittsburg County.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation as officials continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Volunteer Electrocuted Friday While Assisting Setup
Tragedy had already struck the evening before the crash occurred.
On Friday night, a local volunteer, Justin Faulkner, husband of Hartshorne Mayor Ashley McCullan Faulkner, was killed during equipment setup for the race weekend. Authorities say Faulkner was positioning a light tower when it came into contact with a live electrical line, resulting in fatal electrocution.
Mayor Faulkner expressed heartbreak in a deeply emotional public message:
“I don’t believe there should be a world without Faulkner. He was the best human, and I’m so lucky to have had 22 years with him… This is the worst kind of loss. My heart breaks for Cash and Ridge.”
She also thanked the community for the overwhelming outreach, calling the support “comforting and deeply appreciated.”
Community Planning to Gather in Prayer
A public candlelight prayer service will be held Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. at the Hartshorne First Assembly of God on North 13th Street and Penn Avenue. Residents, friends, family, first responders, and supporters are invited to come together to honor the lives lost and offer support to grieving families.
The church responded publicly as well:
“Hartshorne has experienced an unimaginable tragedy within the past 24 hours. We invite everyone to come together in prayer, lifting up and surrounding their families with love and support.”
Event Overshadowed by Unthinkable Loss
The annual H-Town Throwdown typically draws hundreds of spectators and is a highlight of Hartshorne’s fall celebration season. This year, however, the festivities have been replaced with grief, disbelief, and shock across Pittsburg County.
Tributes continue pouring in across social media — particularly from first responder agencies who worked alongside McCoy and Mathis.
Officials are urging the public to continue lifting their families up in prayer, to respect their privacy, and to allow investigators time to finish their work.
More details will be released once families approve additional public information and as the ongoing investigation progresses.