Poor Street Lighting in Bethany Partly to Blame in 9-year-old’s Death

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

BETHANY, Oklahoma – Street lights could be partly to blame for the death of a little girl Saturday. Bethany Police Chief Phil Cole said the area along North Rockwell Avenue is not well lit and could have been one of the many reasons why the young girl was hit.

Shayla Henderson, 9, died after being struck by a vehicle near N.W. 20th Street and Rockwell Avenue Saturday night.

Chief Cole is not sure if all the street lights were on or working properly at the time of the accident. Cole said the lights are maintained by OG&E.

"All the lights work but they're just not very bright," said resident George Scott.

Scott said it's not uncommon to see people cross that part of Rockwell at all hours, including children and teens.

A small memorial marks the spot where Shayla was hit at about 8 p.m. Even though there is a small convenience store near the scene of the accident, police said it's not enough light to make a safe crossing.

"There is not the residual lighting that a business would provide. It is not any differently lit than most stretches of Rockwell where there is not a business located," said Chief Cole.

But that's just one contributing factor to the accident. Chief Cole said he's not sure if more lights would have even made a difference Saturday night.

"The major contributing factor to this accident is that they crossed in the middle of a block rather than using an intersection and that someone of that age was unfortunately crossing the road after dark," said Chief Cole.

He said it's a tragic reminder to use crosswalks and hopes it doesn't happen to another young child.

"It is a tragic accident, one that could have possibly been avoided," Chief Cole said.

The driver who hit Shayla has not been ticketed and was not speeding or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The accident is still under investigation and will be turned over to the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office.

More:
- 9-Year-Old Struck by Car in Bethany Dies
- Family Devastated After 9-year-old Killed by Bethany Motorist