LOOKEBA, OKLAHOMA — A deep sense of sorrow has settled over the town of Lookeba following the tragic death of 17-year-old Reese Courtney, who passed away in an accident on the morning of October 14, 2025. The news of his untimely passing has shaken this close-knit rural community, leaving friends, classmates, and neighbors heartbroken as they come to terms with losing a young man described as gentle, kind, and full of promise.
According to local authorities, the accident occurred early Tuesday morning, though specific details surrounding the circumstances have not been released. Officials confirmed that emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, but despite their efforts, Reese was pronounced dead shortly after the incident. His sudden death has prompted an outpouring of grief across the town, where nearly everyone knew him or his family.
Reese was the eldest child of Greg and Traci Courtney, a family well-known in Lookeba for their deep roots in the community. Friends describe him as a young man with a love for the outdoors — someone who found joy in the quiet beauty of nature. Whether walking country trails with a fishing pole in hand or spending early mornings hunting with his father, Reese’s appreciation for the simple things in life was evident to all who knew him.
At Lookeba-Sickles High School, where Reese was a senior, the atmosphere has been somber. Students and teachers have created a memorial space filled with photos, handwritten notes, and candles to celebrate his life. His classmates remember him as a calm, thoughtful presence — someone who didn’t speak often, but whose words always carried meaning. One student recalled that “Reese had a way of making people feel seen without saying much. He just had that kind of heart.”
Church leaders have also spoken about the immense loss felt within their congregation. Reese was an active member of the local youth group, attending services regularly and helping with community projects. His quiet acts of kindness, from helping younger children learn to fish to volunteering at charity events, reflected a maturity beyond his years.
The Courtney family has been surrounded by support since the tragedy. Friends, neighbors, and fellow church members have brought meals, flowers, and messages of comfort. Candlelight vigils have taken place across town, with hundreds gathering to share stories and offer prayers for the grieving family. The collective mourning underscores how deeply Reese’s life touched others in such a short time.
Local leaders have expressed condolences to the Courtney family, describing Reese’s death as a devastating loss not only for his loved ones but for the entire Lookeba community. The town’s mayor released a statement urging everyone to “hold their families close and honor Reese’s memory through kindness and compassion.”
Counselors have been made available at Lookeba-Sickles School to help students process the loss. Teachers and administrators have encouraged students to lean on one another, emphasizing that grief takes time and that healing will come through shared strength and remembrance.
Plans for a memorial service are underway, expected to draw friends and loved ones from across Caddo County and beyond. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this painful chapter but expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support shown by their community.
As Lookeba continues to mourn, the memory of Reese Courtney endures — in the laughter of his friends, the stillness of the woods he loved, and the compassion he inspired in others. Though his life was heartbreakingly short, his legacy will remain a lasting reminder of how one quiet soul can touch an entire town.
