University Softball Team Involved in Deadly Highway Collision After Woman Darts Through Traffic

A routine trip to a college softball showdown turned into a nightmare after a team bus carrying players from Oklahoma State University was involved in a fatal crash on a busy highway in Oklahoma.

The shocking incident unfolded Wednesday afternoon around 2:05 p.m. on Interstate 35 in Noble County, when the Cowgirls’ bus struck a 62-year-old woman who was later pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities quickly shut down the northbound lanes for nearly two hours as emergency crews responded.

In a statement, the team confirmed the crash forced them to postpone their scheduled game against Wichita State, adding that no players or staff members on the bus were injured.

But what makes the tragedy even more chilling is what happened just moments before impact.

Multiple frantic 911 calls reportedly came in shortly before the collision, with drivers warning authorities about a woman running — and even “leaping” — in and out of traffic near the same stretch of highway. According to reports, the first call came in just one minute before the deadly crash.

Officials have not yet confirmed whether the woman seen in traffic was the same individual who was struck, leaving lingering questions about the chaotic moments leading up to the collision.

Despite the emotional toll, the Oklahoma State team continued on to Wichita, where head coach Kenny Gajewski later shared a heartfelt message on social media. Posting photos of his players regrouping, he thanked Wichita State for welcoming them during a difficult time.

“When times are tough, we turn to our friends,” he wrote.

The postponed matchup had already been delayed earlier this season due to weather, with Wichita State leading 8-3 in the seventh inning at the time. The Cowgirls, currently ranked among the top 20 teams in the nation, had been riding a four-game winning streak heading into what was supposed to be a routine game day.

Instead, they were left grappling with a tragedy no team ever expects to face.