An 18-year-old college student from Ardmore, Oklahoma, died after falling from a moving vehicle and being struck by multiple cars on Interstate 35 late Saturday night, according to authorities.
As The New York Post reported [1], Lani Hicks was riding in a vehicle with five other passengers when the incident occurred near the 50-mile marker just before midnight, according to reporting from KTEN and information provided by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Investigators said Hicks had been partially outside the vehicle window when she lost her grip and fell onto the roadway.
College student, 18, fatally run over by multiple cars after falling out of vehicle’s window on Oklahoma interstate https://t.co/7anRllvhNm [2] pic.twitter.com/ikXdeFbePm [3]
— New York Post (@nypost) April 6, 2026 [4]
She landed in the northbound lanes of I-35, where she was subsequently struck by multiple vehicles. She was later pronounced dead.
The vehicle was driven by a 19-year-old friend from Hicks’ hometown. Authorities reported that the car was carrying a total of six people at the time of the incident.
One additional passenger sustained injuries during the incident, though details about those injuries were not immediately released.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, not all passengers in the vehicle were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Officials have not indicated whether Hicks was wearing a seatbelt before falling from the vehicle.
The incident remains under investigation.
A spokesperson for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol told the Daily Mail that there is currently “no evidence to suggest that drugs or alcohol played a role in this tragic incident” and said investigators do not plan to pursue criminal charges.
“Our hearts go out to Lani’s family during this incredibly difficult time, and they remain in our thoughts and prayers as this investigation concludes,” the spokesperson said.
Hicks was a student at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. According to her social media accounts, she was expected to graduate in 2028.
A GoFundMe campaign established for her family had raised more than $10,000 as of Monday evening. The organizer described Hicks as someone who had a strong presence among her peers.
“At just 18 years old, Lani had a vibrant personality and brought joy to everyone around her. Her sudden passing has left her family and friends heartbroken, and the loss is felt deeply throughout the community,” the fundraiser stated.
NEW: 18-year-old girl died after she sat on a moving car’s windowsill, fell into the road, and was hit by multiple vehicles on an Oklahoma interstate at night
Lani Hicks, 18, died after falling from a moving vehicle on I-35 around 11.30 p.m. Saturday
Troopers said Hicks was… pic.twitter.com/2ZbccTbKFc [5]
— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) April 6, 2026 [6]
The driver of the vehicle has also contributed to the fundraiser, pledging $500. The contribution was noted as the largest among more than 100 donations.
Hicks is survived by her parents and her sister.
Authorities have not released additional details about the events leading up to the incident or whether any further actions will be taken as the investigation continues.