Authorities say a 31-year-old mother died when a sled towed by a car stopped in the road and a second vehicle hit her.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Two Oklahoma City men were arrested after a late-night sledding ride ended in the death of Makayla Mitchell, 31, on Jan. 25, police said. Detectives booked Angel Walzier, 22, and James Kirk, 24, on second-degree murder and aggravated DUI as they investigate what led to the impact.
The arrests put the case on a fast track toward prosecutors as crash reconstruction specialists examine speed, visibility and impairment. Police say Mitchell was being pulled on a sled behind a car when the tow rope failed and the sled came to rest in a traffic lane. A second car arrived seconds later and struck her. The collision occurred during lingering winter weather that left slick patches across the city. The immediate stakes include potential felony filings, possible additional counts, and the release of toxicology results that could shape any plea discussions or trial strategy in the weeks ahead.
Investigators said the tow originated on North Walker Avenue and moved south near the Northwest 80s blocks shortly before 11 p.m. Officers who responded found Mitchell unresponsive in the roadway and pronounced her dead at the scene. Walzier, identified as the driver towing the sled, was detained nearby. Kirk, identified as the driver who struck Mitchell, remained at the scene and was also detained. Officers noted signs of impairment for both men and ordered blood draws. “We’re working to establish a complete timeline,” an Oklahoma City police spokesperson said, adding that doorbell video and nearby traffic cameras are being reviewed to determine speed and spacing between the vehicles.
Police booked both men into the Oklahoma County jail on suspicion of second-degree murder and aggravated DUI. Records indicate Kirk faces an additional child endangerment allegation connected to a passenger in his car, along with a count related to driving without a valid license. Authorities said toxicology analyses would take time to process. Investigators collected rope remnants, measured skid and yaw marks, and documented road conditions, including remaining ice and light levels along the corridor. Officers said they have not released speed estimates or full diagrams while the reconstruction remains active. The department did not say who owned the rope or whether any alcohol containers were recovered at the scene.
Mitchell’s death followed a weekend of storm-related mishaps around the metro. Neighbors described the area as a straight, lightly lit stretch that empties into busier north-south routes. Friends called Mitchell a devoted mother and said she had recently hosted a family celebration. A sister said in a brief interview that “her spirit was bright,” and relatives are planning services and supporting Mitchell’s child. Community members left flowers along the curb where the crash occurred. A nearby resident said he heard a single heavy impact and then saw headlights stop in the street as people screamed for help.
Walzier’s bail was set at $5 million during a court appearance earlier this week, according to officials. Prosecutors with the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office are expected to review the file once detectives submit lab reports and the reconstruction packet. If charges are filed, both men would appear for arraignment in district court, followed by preliminary hearings where a judge would weigh probable cause. Police said additional interviews are planned, including with neighbors who may have seen the tow begin, and with any passengers in both vehicles. Officials said they intend to release a summary of findings after toxicology results return.
By Wednesday, the investigation remained active with both men in custody and lab results pending. Authorities expect the next substantive update after toxicology reports are complete and prosecutors decide on formal filings in early February.
Author note: Last updated January 29, 2026.