Oklahoma Mom of 3 Killed by Airplane Wing While Riding Lawn Mower at Airport

Samantha Hayes, 27, was remembered by loved ones as being a "wonderful" single mom of three

A woman died after being hit by the wing of a plane while she was riding a lawn mower at an Oklahoma airport on Friday, according to officials.

Samantha Hayes, 27, of Idabel, was struck and killed by the wing of the 1972 Bonanza A36 as it landed at Broken Bow Airport in McCurtain County on Friday, according to a report from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol that was obtained by PEOPLE.

Hayes was on a lawn mower when she was hit, OHP said. The 70-year-old pilot spotted her during his descent and “attempted to pull up” and “get the wing over the person,” but struck her instead.

The Oklahoma woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The pilot did not sustain any injuries.

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Hayes worked for the Broken Bow Parks Department, according to NBC News.

“We are heartbroken and devastated by the passing of one of our team members on Sept. 29. This is a terribly tragic accident, and our deepest sympathies go out to the employees family and friends,” City Manager Vickie Patterson told the outlet in a statement.

“It’s critical that we determine how this accident occurred so we can take steps to prevent something like this from happening again,” she added. “Our goal is to return every employee home safely every day.”

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In a Facebook post honoring Hayes, a friend remembered Hayes as a hard-working single mom who was “wonderful” and “great” to her three children.

“These babies knew they were loved,” Darlene Tadleigh wrote, adding that the kids “will know how much their momma loved them.”

Another friend, Brooke Dean, said in another Facebook post that there was “never” a dull moment when she was with Hayes.

“I will forever cherish those memories we made they are absolutely precious to me,” Dean added. “I wish we had more time, Sammy. We love you 🤍.”

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A third friend shared that Hayes was "one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met."

"I am so mad and upset I just don’t understand at all," the friend wrote. "You should be here."

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An investigation into the collision is ongoing, according to officials.

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