The Tulsa community is in mourning after the accident claimed the lives of two Holland Hall students and sent another to the hospital in critical condition.
Highlights
- Mollie Buffington, a 17-year-old student at Holland Hall School, tragically lost her life in a car accident along with her close friend, Claire Esmond.
- The Tulsa community has shown an outpouring of support, with vigils and memorials organized to honor the lives of Mollie and Claire.
- Holland Hall School has extended its support to grieving families and offered counseling services to students and staff.
In a tragic incident that has profoundly affected the Tulsa community, 17-year-old Mollie Buffington, a student at Holland Hall School, lost her life in a car accident on the evening of February 13, 2025.
The accident occurred near the intersection of 91st Street and Riverside Drive, resulting in the deaths of both Mollie and her close friend, Claire Esmond.
A third student survived the crash and was hospitalized in critical condition.
According to Tulsa police, the vehicle, carrying three teenagers, was traveling north on Riverside Drive when it veered off the road near 91st Street, rolled over, and landed in a creek.
Witnesses reported seeing the car moving at a high rate of speed before the accident.
Mollie and Claire were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third student was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Buffington Family Has Requested Privacy During This Difficult Time
The Buffington family, devastated by the sudden loss of their daughter, has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Holland Hall School has extended its support to grieving families, offering counseling services to students and staff.
In a message to the school community, Head of School JP Culley stated:
Late Thursday evening, three of our juniors were involved in a tragic car accident near 91st and Riverside. Two of these students did not survive, and one is in critical condition. Our hearts are broken, and we are focused on supporting our students, faculty, and families during this time.
ktul.com
The broader Tulsa community has also shown an outpouring of support, with vigils and memorials organized to honor the lives of Mollie and Claire.
Friends, classmates, and teachers have shared their condolences and memories, highlighting the impact both girls had on those around them.
Mollie And Claire Were Good Friends And Teammates On The School Field Hockey Team
Claire Esmond, 16 and a student at Holland Hall, was a close friend of Mollie’s.
The two shared numerous activities and were well-regarded within the school community.
Claire’s family, like the Buffingtons, is mourning the loss of their daughter and has expressed gratitude for the community’s support.
Mollie and Claire are reported to have been close friends and team members of the school’s field hockey team.
Mollie’s Instagram paints a picture of a young teenager who loved spending time with her friends, vacationing, playing sports, and attending school events.
She is survived by her mother, Toni Tawater Buffington, father, Mark Buffington, and siblings, Alex and Allie.
The School Had Provided Support For The Students And Families
In response to the accident, the school canceled Upper School classes on Friday, February 14, to allow students and faculty time to grieve and support one another.
Chaplains and counselors have been made available to assist those struggling with the loss.
As the community continues to process this heartbreaking event, plans for memorial services are underway.
The legacies of Mollie Buffington and Claire Esmond will be remembered through the countless lives they touched during their time at Holland Hall.
Additional Information
- Mollie’s parents have maintained their silence on social media, likely taking the time to grieve in private.
- Claire Esmond’s funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the BattleCreek Church—Midtown. Mollie’s remembrance ceremonies are yet to be announced.
