The Oklahoma community is mourning the death of Jason Ray Laird, a 50-year-old man from Mountain View who died following a tragic paragliding accident at Tom Steed Reservoir.
Laird was flying over the reservoir near Mountain Park on Thursday, September 24, 2026, when the engine on his paraglider reportedly failed, causing him to fall into the water.
According to information provided by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the incident happened at approximately 6:55 p.m. Laird was rescued from the reservoir by bystanders and transported by Survival Flight to Jackson County Memorial Hospital. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
What Happened to Jason Ray Laird?
Investigators said Laird was operating a paraglider over Tom Steed Reservoir when an engine failure caused the aircraft to fall into the water.
The circumstances surrounding the equipment failure and the full sequence of events remain part of the investigation.
After Laird entered the water, people at the scene assisted with his rescue. Emergency responders then arranged for him to be transported to Jackson County Memorial Hospital for medical treatment.
Despite those efforts, Laird died from injuries sustained in the accident, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol information reported by KSWO.
Jason Ray Laird’s Death Confirmed
Laird’s death was confirmed following the September 24 incident.
The 50-year-old was identified as being from Mountain View in Kiowa County. His death has drawn attention because of the unusual circumstances of the accident and the emergency response that followed.
Authorities have not indicated that foul play was involved.
Jason Ray Laird at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Jason Ray Laird |
| Age | 50 |
| Hometown | Mountain View, Oklahoma |
| Incident location | Tom Steed Reservoir near Mountain Park |
| Date of accident | September 24, 2026 |
| Approximate time | 6:55 p.m. |
| Activity | Paragliding |
| Reported incident | Paraglider engine failure and fall into reservoir |
| Rescue | Bystanders |
| Hospital | Jackson County Memorial Hospital |
| Date of death | September 24, 2026 |
| Cause | Injuries sustained in the paragliding accident |
Emergency Response at Tom Steed Reservoir
Several agencies assisted after the accident.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol worked with the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma State Parks and Survival Flight EMS during the response and investigation.
Laird was transported by Survival Flight after being rescued from the reservoir. Medical personnel at Jackson County Memorial Hospital later pronounced him dead.
The response highlights the efforts of bystanders and emergency crews who acted after the paraglider entered the water.
Community Mourns Jason Ray Laird
Laird’s death represents a sudden loss for his family, friends and the Mountain View community.
At 50 years old, his life was cut short in an accident that occurred during a recreational flight over the reservoir. Details about his family, career and personal life have not yet been publicly established in the reports reviewed.
As additional information becomes available, those who knew Laird may have the opportunity to share memories of his life and the impact he had on the people around him.
Investigation Continues
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances of the incident.
The initial account indicates that an engine failure caused Laird’s paraglider to fall into the reservoir. Further investigation may establish additional details about the equipment failure and what happened immediately before the crash.
No further information about a funeral or memorial service was included in the initial report.
For now, Jason Ray Laird is remembered as a 50-year-old Mountain View man whose life ended following a tragic paragliding accident at Tom Steed Reservoir.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information reported by KSWO from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol concerning the September 24, 2026 incident. Details may be updated as authorities release additional information about the investigation, funeral arrangements or Laird’s life.