On Monday afternoon, six high school students in Moore, Oklahoma were out for track practice, running beside a road.
A pickup truck struck them while they were running, killing one of the students and critically injuring two others.
The pickup truck that struck the students fled the scene immediately after the incident. The driver, a 56-year-old man, may have been intoxicated at the time of the incident, according to police.
Witnesses saw the truck swerving and hitting other cars both before and after striking the students. The driver continued to steer erratically after crashing into the kids.
When police responded to the hit and run, students and coaches were already administering first aid to the victims. They directed police toward the fleeing vehicle.
Authorities apprehended the driver roughly four blocks from the location of the hit and run.
The student who was killed has been identified as Rachel Freeman, a senior at a Moore public school. In response to her tragic death, the school district issued a statement.
“Our hearts are heavy in Moore Public Schools as we process this tragedy that is unbearable to comprehend. While members of the Moore High School (MHS) Cross Country/Track team were running on the sidewalk, six of them were violently struck by a vehicle.
“One of our students, Senior — Rachel Freeman, passed away. This evening and as we move forward through this unthinkable tragedy — please keep our students, staff, and families in your thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences are with the Freeman family during this time.”
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Joy Hofmeister, issued a statement regarding the incident as well.
“The families, students and staff of Moore High School are enduring heart-wrenching tragedy this evening,” the superintendent said. “Tonight, we pray for the Moore community and stand ready to assist in any way we can.”
