TULSA, Okla. — A 15-year-old Bixby girl died overnight Wednesday after a car crash near 121st Street and Yale Avenue in south Tulsa.
Tulsa police said Bixby Public Schools student and girls soccer player Kinsey Wright passed away from her injuries. Officers originally told 2 News the crash involved two cars, but on Thursday, told us it was three cars.
"Unfortunately, the car that was passing got rotated into oncoming traffic and hit by a pickup truck. Tragically, that led to the death of the rear seat passenger, Kinsey Wright," TPD Sgt. Will Dansing said Thursday.
The passengers of the car Wright was in included two other BPS students. The district believes both are released from the hospital as of Thursday.
The crash happened while they were on their way to soccer practice Tuesday. TPD said the driver was the mother of the two surviving teens, and everyone in each vehicle fastened their seat belts.
Officers said Jacob Tucker, 18, was arrested for negligent homicide after rolling a stop sign that led to the crash. He was not believed to be driving under the influence.
Neighbors who live around the intersection told 2 News off-camera that there are parts of the day when traffic gets backed up.
Sgt. Dalsing said because more people are moving to the area, having only one stop sign is not enough to keep drivers safe.
"I know the city's been looking at it, considering sight lines and maybe another way to control traffic in that area," he said. "I haven't heard a decision yet, but I would support something a little more. Maybe lights, maybe stop signs all-way, something to take care of that problem and slow it down."
BPS sent a letter to parents about the death, saying Wright and her family are deeply connected to the school district. Kinsey's mom teaches at Bixby Middle School, and her brother graduated in 2022.
Bixby Girls Soccer Coach Mike Daniel said Kinsey was a starter on varsity as a freshman in the spring until she suffered an ACL injury, adding she had an unforgettable presence.
“Our soccer family has suffered a tremendous loss. Kinsey was an outstanding friend, teammate, student, and player. This is a
very close group of girls so we are all going to try to get through this extremely difficult time together the best that we can. I feel very
blessed that I had the honor of being Kinsey’s coach the last two years. Our deepest condolences to the Wright family. We all love you so
much Kinsey.”
Resources are available to help students process their grief, the school district said.
A GoFundMe is raising money for the family.
Family friend Mike Gentry told 2 News his daughter became friends with Kinsey when they played on the same club soccer team.
"She came in there blazing with hot hands, and her smile would just brighten any room she came into. And she started playing with the team. Her and my daughter gelled really well and spawned a great friendship from there," Gentry said.
"With Kinsey, it hits way too close to home. Any parent losing a child it's not fair. It's not okay."
There is a petition calling to make the intersection of 121st & Yale safer. If you'd like to sign, click here.
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