Three major accidents happened throughout Marshall County on November 16, and each accident claimed the life of somebody involved in each one. Jared Pierce, an 18-year-old from Durant was killed while working at J&I Manufacturing. He was riding on the side of a forklift, fell off and was ran over. Pierce was a recent graduate and wrestler from Durant High School. The Athletic Booster Page shared a memorial for him.
“No words can express the sadness in our hearts,” the memorial stated. “Jared Pierce was a Lion thru and thru! He gave everything he had with whatever he was doing on the mat or anywhere else. Please pray for his family, friends, our school, and our community during this difficult time.”
Then, a wreck in the afternoon claimed the life of a Madill resident. Blanca Ibarra-Flores, a 28-year-old female was killed when she lost control of her vehicle while traveling south on US Highway 70 near Gary Road. After losing control, the vehicle went airborne and landed upside down partially submerged in Little Glasses Creek. It took approximately 22 minutes for Madill Fire to extract Ibarra-Flores. Unfortunately, she had expired at the scene.
Ibarra-Flores was known for her kind heart, being a sweetheart and a great mom to her children.
Later that night, at around 10:00 p.m., another vehicle accident occurred. Samantha Carnes, a 31-year-old from Tishomingo, was traveling east on State Highway 32. A truck traveling west lost control and collided with Carnes. After the vehicles came to a rest, Carnes’ vehicle was struck by another vehicle that was not able to slow down fast enough. Carnes was pronounced at the scene.
Carnes’ stepfather posted on Facebook about the tragedy and sent out a request.
“We are asking that when you call your favorite florist to order flowers, we have asked them to take your order but instead of flowers they will be donating 70% of the total to the Atoka/ Coal Food Store house,” the Facebook post said. “They will keep 30% for their profit and trouble for doing this. We would rather help feed the people in need during upcoming holidays than having flowers. This would be Samantha’s wishes. The flower shop will give us a card from all that donated. If any contributions are made outside of flower shops make check to Atoka/Coal food store house. You can drop off at the funeral home and we will forward it or mail to Atoka/Coal Food Store House, PO Box 1023, Atoka, Okla. 74525 in memory of Samantha Carnes. Thanks so much for your participation.”