Tragic Accident Claims Life of Luther’s Police Chief Wife

This article has been updated to include a link to help the family and a statement from the Luther Fire Department. 2/10/25 4:45 pm

We have all thought about what we’d do if we got the call: “There’s been an accident.” Some of us have lived that nightmare, and on Sunday, the nightmare came to Luther’s police chief.

Official details will come soon from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, which is handling the reports. But we know that Amber Leafty, 46, beloved wife of Chief Johnny Leafty, mom to three amazing children, doting Grammy to five little angels, tender daughter to a recently widowed dad, loyal friend, and encourager to everyone who works at Luther Town Hall, died at the scene of an accident at the intersection of Highway 66 and Highway 102 in Wellston around 5:20 pm. The driver of the other vehicle was hospitalized.

In a post used with permission, Chief Johnny Leafty shared his anguish.

“My heart is broken! You were my whole world. My best friend. I am lost. I don’t know how to do this life without you. No matter how I tried to write the script in my head, this was never anywhere in sight. We had so much more to do. I understand that what we plan isn’t always the same as God’s plan. But right now, I’m jealous. I want one more day, hour, minute, or second. One last hug, handhold, and dance in the kitchen.

“Amber Danielle, I’m trying to hold everything together, but it’s so hard. I’m not as strong as you. You impacted so many lives. You had a truly kind heart, filled with Love and joy. I know you are in the presence of your mom and all the family.

“I know I will see you again, but that doesn’t make it easier in any way. I promise I will live for you and be there for all the kids and grandbabies. Your memories will live in my heart and soul forever. ” — Johnny Leafty

At the scene Sunday night, with the emergency lights flashing to alert oncoming traffic as the wreckage was cleared well after dark, the Wellston police chief said Luther residents could expect to see Wellston (and Oklahoma County) patrolling our area for a few days as a gesture of mutual aid between the towns. “It’s something Johnny and I did as soon as we both became chiefs,” he said.

Be gentle with our town, please. And pray for the Leafty family, Town Hall staff, friends, and all first responders who were at the scene and loved Amber Leafty. The shock and pain is deep. It goes without saying that our first responders are well-trained and help us as fast as they can when something bad happens—they are tough, compassionate, and professional. And they are humans who carry their experiences as they lead their lives. For that, we say thank you.

Late Monday, the Luther Fire Department shared a poignant message from Fire Chief Joseph Figueroa, indicating the true bond among our emergency providers.

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Amber Leafty, the beloved wife of Luther Police Department Chief Johnny Leafty. Amber was well-known for her unwavering support for her husband—whether attending town events, stopping by the office to say hello, or bringing him lunch. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and if you had the privilege of knowing her, you couldn’t help but love being around her.

The bond between Luther PD and Luther FD is one of the strongest around, and we truly care deeply for one another. To say we have each other’s backs is an understatement. Our hearts ache for the Leafty family and our Luther PD family. We ask that you keep them, as well as our entire community, in your prayers as we face this long and painful road ahead.

Amber, we know you’re in heaven watching over us, and we promise to be there for Johnny and the kids. We’ll strive to honor your memory and make you proud every day.

Until we meet again,

Chief J. Figueroa

Ways to Help

A Meal Train for meals and donations has been established to help the Leafty Family. Click here for the link.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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