Serafina O’Connell Obituary, Death – A tragic accident that stemmed from a high-speed police chase has shaken the community of Coffeyville, Kansas, as officials confirmed the identity of the young victim who lost her life. Authorities say 15-year-old Serafina O’Connell, a sophomore at Field Kindley High School, died in the crash that ended a multi-agency pursuit last week.

O’Connell, who lived in Coffeyville but was born in Bartlesville, was well known in her school and community. She was an active student-athlete, playing on both the volleyball and softball teams at Field Kindley High School. Beyond school sports, she was also a member of the Coffeyville Lady Rockies softball team, where she built strong friendships and showcased her passion for athletics. Her sudden death has left her classmates, teachers, teammates, and community members grieving the loss of a young life full of promise.

According to investigators, the incident began on Friday after Tenisha Mayberry and another woman allegedly stole items from a Target store in Owasso, Oklahoma. During their escape, police said the suspects dragged an Owasso police officer with their jeep, sparking a dangerous pursuit. What followed was a chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies that stretched across county lines and ultimately ended in Coffeyville.

Authorities reported that the chase came to a devastating conclusion when Mayberry crashed into an SUV, killing Serafina O’Connell and leaving others with serious injuries. Mayberry has since been charged with first-degree murder, a reflection of the severity of the incident and the life that was taken as a result of her actions. She is also expected to face additional charges related to the theft, the assault on the police officer, and the pursuit itself.

As the investigation continues, O’Connell’s family and friends are leaning on one another for support. In an effort to assist the grieving family with the many expenses that follow such a tragedy, the community has come together to organize fundraising efforts. A bank account, named the O’Connell Family Fund, has been established at Community National Bank & Trust in Coffeyville. Donations can be made in person at the bank’s location on West 11th Street or by mail. To make it easier for those who wish to give, digital contributions are also being accepted through Venmo (@Oconnellfamilyfund) and Cash App ($Oconnellfamilyfund) under the name Nick Davis.

Local organizations are also stepping forward to help. The Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce announced a fundraiser in partnership with Stevens Trophies, which is producing custom shirts priced at $25 each. For every shirt sold, $10 will go directly to the O’Connell family to help ease financial burdens. In addition, a raffle has been organized to raise further support. Tickets for the raffle, priced at $10 each, give participants a chance to win seats at the upcoming University of Oklahoma vs. Missouri football game scheduled for November 22. The raffle drawing will take place on October 10, with all proceeds directed toward the family’s fund.

The loss of Serafina O’Connell is deeply felt across Coffeyville, particularly at Field Kindley High School, where students and staff are struggling to process the tragedy. Teachers describe her as a bright, hardworking young woman whose enthusiasm for both academics and athletics was evident in everything she did. Teammates say her positive energy and supportive nature made her an irreplaceable part of their teams.

As the community mourns, the case against Mayberry moves forward in the justice system. Law enforcement officials stress that while the criminal charges will proceed, their focus also remains on supporting the victims and their families.

For now, Coffeyville stands united in grief and support, remembering Serafina not only as a promising student-athlete but also as a beloved daughter, friend, and teammate whose life was tragically cut short.