"Tulsa's Horse-Rider Crash: A Tale of Survival and Safety Urgency"

Incident Details

Five minutes after riding her horse past Jose Sandoval, Yamileth Hernandez received a call informing her that Jose and his horse had been hit at an intersection. The horse, named Dear, did not survive, but Jose managed to come out alive. Hernandez describes the crash as a horrendous scene, with Jose suffering a broken femur and a dislocated arm. She hopes he can overcome the emotional trauma ahead.

Jose is just 19 years old and has a full life ahead of him. Hernandez's first thought upon hearing the news was whether he was dead. The fact that he survived is a testament to the strength and resilience of both Jose and the horse.

Risks and Acceptance

Hernandez acknowledges the risks associated with riding horses on roads. She says that riders accept these risks, but this accident has made her realize the need for improved safety measures. She hopes that the city of Tulsa will take action and add flashing lights at the stop signs and horse crossing signs in the area.

"It's a crossroad that we use a lot, and we've been using it for years. But last night, it ended up being a tragedy that could have been any of us," Hernandez said. She believes that these safety measures would not only prevent future accidents but also give riders more confidence when using the roads.

Teenager's Condition

News On 6 spoke with Cali Bex, whose son John was a passenger in the car that hit Jose and his horse. John received hundreds of stitches and will need reconstructive surgery. The other three teenagers in the car are expected to survive.

The family of one of the teens claims that the driver was speeding, and Tulsa police are still investigating the cause of the crash. This adds another layer of complexity to an already tragic situation.

After this accident, Hernandez is determined to advocate for the safety of horseback riders. She hopes that her story will raise awareness and lead to positive changes in the city.

You can help Jose by donating HERE. Let's come together to support this young man and ensure the safety of all horseback riders in Tulsa.