Oklahoma mother-of-three fatally struck by plane while riding lawnmower at airport
Woman clipped by wing while riding lawnmower on airport runway
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An Oklahoma mother-of-three was struck and killed by a plane wing while riding a lawnmower on an airport runway.
Samantha Hayes, 27, was riding the mower on the grass at Broken Bow Airport, a small airport 170 miles northeast of Dallas, on Friday afternoon.
At the time, pilot James Baxter, 70, was also preparing to land his 1972 Bananza A36 on the runway, reported KFOR.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Mr Baxter spotted Hayes riding the mower and quickly tried to manoeuvre the craft to avoid hitting her but was unable to do so.
The wing of the plane clipped Hayes in the head.
The 27-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is currently unclear if she worked at the rural airport or why she was riding a lawnmower there at the time of the tragedy.
She has since been remembered by friends as a hardworking and devoted mother.
“Samantha Hayes was a wonderful great mom to her three babies,” one person wrote on Facebook.
“She was a single mom who worked hard to give them a safe and loving home! These babies knew they were loved everyday all day!”
“We never know when these things are gonna happen but they can and for her it did.”
No charges have been filed against Mr Baxter but the incident remains under investigation.
The Independent has reached out to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety for further comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments