Fairview, Oklahoma — Authorities in Major County, Oklahoma, are investigating the deaths of a mother and her teenage daughter who were discovered inside a heavily damaged vehicle after severe storms swept through the region late Thursday night.
Officials from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol confirmed that the victims were Jodie Owens and her daughter Lexi Owens.
Their vehicle was found near the intersection of Highway 60 and County Road 2435, close to the city of Fairview, an area that experienced intense weather conditions during the storm system.
According to investigators, Jodie Owens had been driving through the area at approximately 10 p.m. while severe weather warnings were active across western and northern Oklahoma.
During the trip, she was reportedly speaking on the phone with someone when the call was suddenly interrupted.
When contact with her could not be reestablished, concern grew and she was later reported missing.
Authorities began searching the area and eventually located the vehicle. When first responders arrived, they discovered Jodie Owens and Lexi Owens inside the car. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Initial observations from investigators indicated that the vehicle showed extensive damage that may be consistent with the impact of a tornado.
However, officials emphasized that the exact cause of the damage and the circumstances leading to the deaths are still under investigation.
The severe weather that moved across the state Thursday brought tornado warnings to multiple counties, with strong winds and dangerous storm conditions reported throughout parts of Oklahoma.
Following confirmation of the tragedy, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt released a statement expressing sympathy for the family and offering prayers during the difficult time.
Emergency responders and local authorities continue to review the scene and analyze weather data as they work to determine whether a tornado directly caused the fatal incident.
The deaths of Jodie Owens and Lexi Owens have left the Fairview community in mourning, as residents remember the mother and daughter while recovery efforts continue after the powerful storms that struck the region.
