A young woman’s life was shattered in a late-night shooting, leaving her fighting for survival. Now, her family is left heartbroken, mourning her loss and seeking justice.
Kelsey Strickland, just 21 years old and a devoted mother of four, tragically passed away on June 17, 2025, after being critically wounded nearly a week earlier in an apartment in Heavener, Oklahoma. Her untimely death has ignited not only a criminal investigation but also a profound wave of grief and touching tributes from those who loved her most.
In the early hours of June 11, law enforcement responded to a shooting at a residential complex along State Highway 128. Upon arrival, officers discovered 20-year-old Dylan McGee deceased and Kelsey Strickland gravely wounded. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she remained in critical condition until her tragic passing.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has confirmed Kelsey’s death and announced that no suspects are currently at large. However, the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation.
The Heavener Police Department and the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department are working closely with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to uncover the full story behind the tragic shooting.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Kelsey’s family is grappling not only with overwhelming grief but also with a flood of public misconceptions—adding to the pain of their heartbreaking journey.
Kelsey’s younger sister, Brilynn Strickland, took to social media with a heartfelt plea, asking people to stop sharing images of Kelsey alongside Dylan. She revealed the deep pain the family feels seeing him portrayed as a victim.
In a raw and emotional message, Brilynn wrote,
“He just shot my sister in her face. The last thing anyone in our family wants is to see him in the same post or photo as her. So I sit here and beg—don’t make it look like he’s the victim in this situation. He took his own life to escape the reality of what he did.”
In the days following the shooting, a GoFundMe page was launched to support Kelsey’s grieving family. Organized by Karmyn Earley on behalf of Kelsey’s stepmother, Courtney Strickland, the fundraiser emphasized Kelsey’s cherished role as a devoted mother and the profound impact this sudden tragedy has had on her young children.
The fundraiser also shared the heartbreaking detail that Kelsey had been peacefully sleeping when the violence shattered her world — forever altering the lives of her and her children.
The fundraiser aimed to assist with mounting medical bills, travel expenses, and essential needs for Kelsey’s children. As of now, the campaign has raised nearly $5,000, supported by dozens of generous donors eager to lighten the load on a family overwhelmed by loss.
Alongside the financial support, many friends and loved ones have taken to social media to share their grief, honor Kelsey’s memory, and celebrate the life she lived.
Branden Bozarth, father of one of Kelsey’s children, shared a deeply moving tribute. He vowed that their son would grow up not just knowing his mother’s name, but through the stories of her incredible strength, warmth, and love.
In his heartfelt message, Branden wrote, “Kelsey’s presence made an impact that will never fade. You will always have a place in our hearts.”
Another touching tribute came from Calen Davies, Kelsey’s older sister, who opened up about the overwhelming struggle to accept the reality of her loss. She recalled receiving the worst phone call of her life and the heartbreak of seeing Kelsey lying helpless in a hospital bed.
Calen also honored her sister’s fierce spirit, describing her as a stubborn and determined fighter—qualities that anyone who knew Kelsey would instantly recognize. She wrote, “She was a mother, daughter, sister, friend, and cousin. Only 21, with four beautiful babies.”
The loss struck deeply for Danielle Porter, Kelsey’s aunt, who shared the profound emotional impact on their family.
“I hear tragic stories, but I never imagined Domestic Violence would hit this close to home,” Danielle wrote. “My heart aches for her babies, who will never hear her voice, feel her embrace, or know the boundless love she had for them.”
She concluded her message with raw honesty:
“I could probably write a book, but all I want to say is this—I hurt. I’m sad, I’m mad, I’m confused, and my thoughts are all over the place. But through it all, Kelsey was incredibly strong and fought a hard battle. Please keep lifting up her babies and the family.”
As the investigation unfolds, Kelsey’s family faces not only the weight of unimaginable grief but also the reality of a future forever changed without her. Our hearts go out to them during this incredibly difficult time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out. Help is available. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to 741-741,
