On Friday, September 29 at the Broken Bow Airport in Oklahoma, a 27-year-old woman encountered a tragic accident. While operating a lawnmower, she was hit by the wing of a landing airplane.

The woman, identified as Samantha Hayes from Idabel, Oklahoma, was an employee of the city’s parks department. She was also a single mother, raising three children on her own.

James Baxter, who is 70 years old, was piloting the 1972 Beechcraft Bonanza A36 plane. As he descended, he noticed Hayes on the lawnmower and tried to abort the landing to avoid a collision. The small airport did not have on-site air traffic controllers to assist pilots.

Despite Baxter’s attempt, he was unable to gain the required altitude swiftly enough, leading to the unfortunate event where the plane’s wing struck Hayes. The impact was to her head.

Presently, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation to ascertain if there is a basis to press charges against Baxter. On the positive side, Baxter did not sustain any injuries from the event.

The community in which Hayes lived recognized her for her dedication as a mother and her work ethic. Her untimely demise has deeply affected those who knew her. The community has rallied, offering condolences and support to Hayes’ three children.