Tulsa 911 dispatcher killed in hit-and-run

TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa police confirm today the woman killed in a hit-and-run accident Tuesday was a 911 dispatcher who worked with Tulsa Police, Tulsa Fire and EMSA.

Mary Byers was a dispatcher in Tulsa since 1995.

Lieutenant Steven Florea gave FOX23 more details today. He said officers responded to an injury accident near Admiral and Utica at about 9:15 p.m. Tuesday. While they were on their way, he says they received an update that someone had died.

“The most dangerous thing you do everyday is to get behind the wheel of a car. It’s something we take for granted everyday... This didn’t need to happen,” Florea said.

Witnesses at the scene told officers a 2008 Cadillac was speeding on Utica and blew through red light hitting another car.

“This is what I keep harping on over and over and over. This is why you see my squad out there week after week... Speed causes traffic accidents, there is no question whatsoever. The faster you go the less likely you are to have time to react you are more likely to get in a traffic accident and for it to be severe like this,” Lieutenant Florea said.

Witnesses say the driver who caused the accident stayed at first, then ran from the scene. Lieutenant Florea says the woman with him stayed at the scene until officers arrived because she was hurt as well.

Cody Carrell, the suspect connected to the crash, turned himself in to police earlier this afternoon.

The Tulsa Police Department has released the following statement:

With heavy hearts, we are sad to announce the loss of 911 Dispatcher and Supervisor Mary Byers. On the evening of October 5, 2021, Mary Byers was the victim of a fatal hit and run accident at Admiral and Utica. Mary began her career as a 911 dispatcher on August 30, 1995 and promoted to 911 Supervisor in November 2017. Mary dedicated 26 years serving the citizens of Tulsa as a call taker, dispatcher, and supervisor. She had an incredible work ethic and was always willing to lend a hand and lend an ear. Over the years Mary worked all shifts with her latest assignment on the graveyard shift. Mary was a happy and upbeat person who loved her family and was a good friend to many. She had a keen sense of humor and was never afraid to speak her mind. She was a bright light to all those who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her 911 family, and we are forever grateful for her service. The suspect in this case who caused the accident has turned himself in. Out of respect for Mary, we will share that information in a post later today. #TulsaPolice

Other local agencies have begun sharing their condolences as well.

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