An Oklahoma teenager tragically lost her life after falling from a moving vehicle onto the interstate, where she was struck by several cars during a late-night outing.
Just before midnight on Saturday, 18-year-old Lani Hicks was leaning out of her car window when she lost her grip and fell onto Interstate 35 near the 50-mile marker, as reported by local news.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol mentioned that Hicks’ vehicle window was partially rolled down at the time of the incident.
Following her fall into the northbound lane, she was hit by multiple vehicles and was later pronounced dead.
Hicks’ car was filled with five other passengers and was being driven by a 19-year-old friend from her hometown. According to reports, only one other passenger sustained injuries in the chaos.
Investigators noted that none of the passengers were wearing seat belts.
This situation is still under investigation.
An OHP spokesperson clarified that “there’s no evidence to suggest that drugs or alcohol were involved in this tragic incident,” and confirmed that no criminal charges would be filed. They extended their condolences to Hicks’ family during this difficult time.
Hicks was from Ardmore, Oklahoma, and was a student at Eckerd College, a liberal arts school in St. Petersburg, Florida. She was expected to graduate in 2028.
A GoFundMe page created to support Hicks’ grieving family had raised over $10,000 by Monday night.
“Rani was just 18 years old, had a lively personality, and brought joy to those around her. Her sudden death has left her family and friends heartbroken, and her loss is felt deeply by the entire community,” organizers stated.
The friend driving at the time of the accident has pledged to contribute $500 and is currently leading among the 106 donations.
Hicks is survived by her parents and sister.
