A college student from Oklahoma lost her life in a freak accident over the weekend after falling out the window of a moving car. 18-year-old Lani Hicks had been perched on the frame of the window before tumbling out onto the I-35 just before midnight on Saturday April 4.
Hicks had been travelling in the packed car with five other passengers as they sped along the interstate. The driver was a 19-year-old friend from her hometown. At some point it seems the college student had started dangling out of the car’s window but lost her grip, resulting in her falling onto the road. She was then reportedly run over by several other vehicles according to an article from the New York Post.
Hicks was later pronounced dead due to her injuries. She is survived by her parents and her sister. One other passenger was reportedly injured during the incident but the details of exactly what happened in the car haven’t been made public yet. A GoFundMe was set up in her name to support the family during their time of grief. The driver of the vehicle has pledged $500, the highest donation so far. The GoFundMe has currently raised over $14,000.
The investigation into Lani Hicks’ death
While the incident is still under investigation authorities have already determined that none of the passengers were wearing seatbelts. A spokesperson for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol also told the Daily Mail that there is “no evidence to suggest that drugs or alcohol played a role in this tragic incident.” There are also no plans to pursue criminal charges against anyone.
The spokesperson goes on to say that Hicks’ death “appears to be a devastating accident,” suggesting nobody was behaving irresponsibly or in a way that would have directly caused her death. “Our hearts go out to Lani’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” the Spokesperson added, “they remain in our thoughts and prayers as this investigation concludes.” It seems authorities are satisfied that the death of Lani Hicks was just a freak accident.
Hicks, who was originally from Ardmore, Oklahoma, had been a student at Eckerd College, a liberal arts college in Florida and was set to graduate in 2028. The GoFundMe page describes her as having “a vibrant personality and brought joy to everyone around her.” Going on to read, “Her sudden passing has left her family and friends heartbroken, and the loss is felt deeply throughout the community.”
