On November 30, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in a residential neighborhood on the southwest side of Afton, Oklahoma, claiming the life of a four-year-old girl named Hayzel Vick Jones. The young child was at her home when she was struck in the chest by a bullet discharged from a handgun. Local authorities, including Afton Police Chief Earnie Shelby, responded to the scene around 2:30 p.m.
following reports of the shooting.
Due to severe weather conditions affecting the area at the time, emergency responders were unable to utilize a medical helicopter for transport to a trauma center. Instead, Hayzel was rushed by ambulance to a hospital in nearby Miami, Oklahoma. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the medical facility.
The subsequent investigation by the Afton Police Department determined that the shooting was accidental. Officials revealed that another child, identified in some reports as Hayzel’s older brother, had been handling the firearm when it discharged. Police Chief Shelby stated that the shooting did not appear to be intentional. As of early December 2025, no arrests had been made, and no criminal charges had been filed in connection with the case, though authorities noted that the investigation was ongoing and details would be reviewed by the district attorney’s office.
Hayzel, affectionately known as "Hayzel-Bug," was the daughter of Ted and Karisa Jones and was described as an animal lover who adored the color purple. She was known to collect frogs and had recently shown a pig at the Ottawa County Fair. The community and the local school district expressed deep sorrow over the loss, with counseling services made available to students and staff. A horse-drawn hearse was scheduled to carry her to her final resting place at Mount Hope Cemetery following services at the Afton High School Gym.
