The Holland Hall community in south Tulsa is grappling with an unimaginable loss following the tragic deaths of two of its students, Mollie Buffington, 17, and Claire Amelia Esmond, 16, in a car crash last week. The accident, which occurred on the night of February 13 near 91st Street and Riverside Parkway, has left the tight-knit school and the broader Tulsa community in mourning. A third student, who was driving the vehicle, sustained critical injuries and remains hospitalized, fighting for recovery. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the school, prompting an outpouring of grief and support from students, faculty, and families alike.
The crash took place around 9:45 p.m. when the Tesla the students were traveling in veered off the road near 9000 S. Riverside Parkway. Witnesses quickly reported the incident, leading to a swift response from Tulsa emergency services. The severity of the crash required the use of a Tulsa Police Department helicopter to locate the wrecked vehicle, which had come to rest in Joe Creek. First responders from the Tulsa Fire Department worked tirelessly to extricate the driver, cutting away a significant portion of the car’s roof to free the critically injured student. The driver was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Mollie Buffington and Claire Esmond, both juniors at Holland Hall, were beloved members of the school community. Known for their vibrant personalities and dedication to their field hockey team, their untimely deaths have left a void that will be deeply felt by their teammates, classmates, and teachers. The school’s administration, recognizing the profound impact of the tragedy, canceled classes for the Upper School the following day to allow students and staff time to grieve. Chaplains and counselors were made available to provide emotional support and guidance during this difficult time.
In a heartfelt statement, Holland Hall Head of School JP Culley expressed the collective sorrow of the community. “We are holding our community close as we mourn our beloved students, Mollie Buffington and Claire Esmond, and continue to pray for our student who is still hospitalized,” Culley said. “We welcome prayers for our students, families, faculty, and staff.” The school’s emphasis on unity and support reflects the deep bonds that tie the Holland Hall community together, even in the face of such a devastating loss.
Claire Esmond’s family has announced that her funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on March 1 at BattleCreek Church-Midtown. The arrangements are being handled by Fitzgerald Ivy and Southwood Colonial funeral homes. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to New Life Ranch, a Christian camp and retreat center, in honor of Claire’s memory. This gesture underscores the family’s desire to channel their grief into something meaningful, ensuring that Claire’s legacy lives on through the support of an organization that aligns with her values.
As the community continues to mourn, questions remain about the circumstances that led to the crash. The incident is still under investigation, and authorities have not yet released details about what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway. The lack of answers has only added to the heartache, as friends and family seek closure and understanding in the wake of such a sudden and tragic event.
The loss of Mollie Buffington and Claire Esmond has reverberated far beyond the walls of Holland Hall, touching the hearts of countless individuals across Tulsa and beyond. Their lives, though cut short, were marked by joy, friendship, and a commitment to their passions. As the community comes together to honor their memory, the resilience and compassion displayed in the face of this tragedy serve as a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. In this time of sorrow, the outpouring of love and support for the families of Mollie, Claire, and the injured driver offers a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, reminding us all of the importance of cherishing every moment with those we hold dear.