Skiatook Residents Hold Vigil For Man Hit, Killed By Car On New Year's Eve

The Skiatook community is remembering a man they all loved dearly, who was hit and killed in a crash.

Josh Fredrick and his dog both died in a New Year's Eve wreck as he was trying to cross the street.

Josh Fredrick’s friends have a memorial for him near where he died.

On Tuesday, people sang, cried, and remembered someone who they say changed them for the better.

All these candles, all the tears, and happy memories are in honor of Josh Fredrick, and his dog, Valentine.

Dozens of people in Skiatook came to Josh’s candlelight vigil.

Josh was hitchhiking from Colorado and stopped in Skiatook a few months ago. He had been homeless for several years, but almost instantly, the town took Josh in as a new friend.

“Our heart is, we will feed anybody who is hungry," said Sam Jaskar. "We fed him and let him know anytime he’s hungry he can come back.”

Sam Jaskar owns Bulldog Pizza downtown.

He said Josh made an impact on everyone with his humility and kindness.

An employee at the Casey’s in town said Josh and his dog Valentine stayed right outside and often came inside to chat. She says Josh gave most of his blankets to Valentine.

“I’m thrilled that so many people cared about Josh, he was a cool dude," said Trina Hiatt.

Trina Hiatt became friends with Josh and organized the vigil.

She said people in town all helped Josh get back on his feet and he encouraged them all the time.

"They’re all wanting to help," she said. "It this little community like this."

"Was he an angel? He was," she said.

Jaskar said Josh changed everyone’s life in some way— and hopes Josh now has peace.

"I’m pretty sure he affected Skiatook more than we affected him," he said. "That's really the great mystery we’re trying to figure out."

The community raised thousands of dollars to pay for help for Josh and to bring his brother here for service. They're also using the money to start a nonprofit and help others. A funeral home offered to pay for his cremation.

Skiatook police are investigating and haven't made any arrests yet.