Goldsby and surrounding towns honor two volunteer firefighters killed in McClain County rollover crash
Fatal crash during an early-morning response
Communities in and around Goldsby gathered in recent days to honor two volunteer firefighters killed when their firetruck overturned in McClain County while they were responding to an emergency early Friday morning, March 20, 2026.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the crash occurred on East Redbud Road near Southeast 12th Avenue, between Goldsby and Washington. Troopers were called just after 3 a.m. and found two firefighters dead at the scene.
Who the firefighters were
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol identified the men as Todd Pendleton, 62, and Bryan Jenkins, 64, both volunteer firefighters with the Goldsby Fire Department.
Pendleton was described as a 12-year veteran firefighter and a Goldsby resident. He also spent decades working at The Oklahoman newspaper, beginning in 1986 and later serving as art director.
Jenkins was described as a 35-year veteran firefighter and a Norman resident. Cleveland County officials said he had been employed by the county since 1987 and managed the Cleveland County Fairgrounds since 2014. A county fairgrounds announcement posted March 4, 2026, also described Jenkins as having volunteered with the Goldsby Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years.
What investigators say happened
Troopers said the firetruck was traveling eastbound on Redbud Road when it departed the roadway to the right, returned to the roadway, then departed to the left and struck two trees. The patrol said Jenkins was driving and Pendleton was the passenger; they were the only two people in the vehicle.
A nearby structure fire was visible in aerial footage from the area, and authorities indicated the apparatus was likely responding to that incident.
Procession and public tributes
After the crash, a public escort and procession honored the firefighters as they were transported from Oklahoma City to Purcell, where the escort ended at a funeral home. Residents lined portions of the route, including areas near Goldsby Church and along the southbound stretch toward a local feed store.
Local officials in the region issued statements marking the losses and emphasizing support for the Goldsby Fire Department and the firefighters’ families.
Key confirmed facts: Two Goldsby volunteer firefighters died in a single-vehicle rollover crash on East Redbud Road near Southeast 12th Avenue at about 3 a.m. March 20, 2026; the Oklahoma Highway Patrol identified them as Todd Pendleton and Bryan Jenkins.
What remains unknown
Investigators have not publicly released a final determination of contributing factors, including vehicle speed, mechanical issues, or roadway conditions. The highway patrol’s investigation was ongoing as community memorial events unfolded.