A mother stood broken in Tulsa, Oklahoma, describing the unbearable sight of her son’s lifeless body left uncovered in the street for nearly six hours.
Tyriek Izaiah-Joshua Barkdull was an 18-year-old basketball player from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
A senior at Memorial High School in Tulsa, he was recognized not only for his talent on the basketball court but also for his potential as a leader in sports and beyond.
In 2023, he was selected as one of just 27 students chosen for the prestigious Thunder Fellows program, founded by the Oklahoma City Thunder and CAA Sports.
Through this 30‑week program, Tyriek gained exposure to the business and operations side of basketball, while also learning data science and coding fundamentals.
However, TJ tragically passed away on October 9, 2025, at just 18 years old.
According to his mother, MJ, her son was shot and left lying in the street in Tulsa.
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A Mother Lost Her Son, Tyriek Izaiah-Joshua Barkdull, In Tulsa, When He Was Shot and Left Lying in the Streets!
MJ Barkdull, Tyriek Izaiah-Joshua Barkdull’s mother, shared the devastating reality of seeing her son’s lifeless body left uncovered in the street for nearly six hours before the medical examiner arrived.
She described the heartbreak of watching him treated “like he wasn’t human,” without dignity or respect, and recalled the haunting image of him later on a cold cot in a thin hospital gown.
Her words capture the unbearable pain of a mother questioning her child’s final thoughts, whether he was scared, and how much he suffered.
She concluded her post by affirming that her son did not leave this world unloved or without a legacy, pledging to fight for justice and keep his name alive forever.
People responded to MJ’s post with deep empathy, sharing their heartfelt support.
One Facebook user shared their point of view, highlighting their heartbreak, saying,
I’m so sorry MJ
This is just heartbreaking. Your words are beautiful. He IS someone special and I’m sorry they didn’t treat him that way. He deserved so much better.
One of my other friends is unfortunately going through this right now with the loss of her son, my son’s best friend and I would NEVER wish this pain on anyone as I have endured that pain. Regardless of how a person leaves us they should NOT be disrespected and someone should’ve covered your baby!!! No excuses!! I pray for you guys and for his unborn child. Know that you are never alone
Likewise, another expressed compassion, saying,
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this significant amount of pain and sadness. Nobody deserves to go through what he did. You’re absolutely right about that. I wish things would’ve gone differently for your family and he deserved so much more. I hope nobody ever has to feel this pain and that you can only get through this. I will be praying for you and your family. Praying that God may keep you strong through these tough times and help heal your pain. You’ve expressed your pain in ways that hit differently and I feel that for you also. Stay strong Mama! He would want you to be strong for him. He wants you happy again. I hope you feel better soon, again I’m so very sorry you’re hurting.
MJ not only sought justice for her son but also ensured that his story would be told and his name carried forward.
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