In Oklahoma, two individuals are now in custody following a tragic sledding accident that resulted in a woman’s death, as reported by local authorities.

James Kirk, aged 23, and Angel Walzier, aged 22, face charges of second-degree murder and driving under the influence (DUI), according to records from the Oklahoma County jail. Additionally, Kirk is charged with child endangerment and causing a fatal accident without holding a valid driver’s license.

The unfortunate event took place late Sunday evening near the crossroads of Northwest 81st Street and North Walker Avenue in Oklahoma City, as stated by the police.

At approximately 11 p.m., officers responded to reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the poorly lit area.

Upon arrival, officers found 30-year-old Makayla Mitchell, who was declared deceased at the scene, according to information from the Oklahoma City Police Department relayed to local news outlets, including Fox affiliate KOKH and CBS affiliate KWTV.

The victim had been riding on a sled attached by rope to a vehicle being driven by Walzier, police said.

During the incident, Walzier’s vehicle was traveling south on North Walker Avenue, pulling Mitchell on the sled, when the rope snapped, police said. The sled slowed to a halt in the middle of the road. Meanwhile, Kirk’s vehicle was traveling behind them and struck Mitchell, authorities claim.

Police said the street had no lamps, which contributed to poor visibility at the time of the incident. Officers, however, believed both drivers were also under the influence, so a drug recognition officer evaluated the defendants and found signs of impairment, according to law enforcement.

After that, investigators conducted blood tests on both Walzier and Kirk, and the pair were subsequently arrested, police said.

“It wasn’t intentional,” a friend of Mitchell’s family told KWTV. “It was just all a mistake. A tragic mistake.”

The friend insisted the defendants – who were part of the sledding group – should not be charged with murder.

“It shouldn’t be murder,” he added. “It could have happened to anybody.”

The victim was described as an outgoing host, a great cook, and a proud mother to her baby girl, who is just shy of 2 years old.

“Her daughter’s birthday is coming up,” the friend added. “And that’s all she was talking about all day yesterday. Her daughter’s birthday. Her daughter’s birthday. Her daughter – and then – it’s just sad because now her daughter, you know.”