Sara Gilson Remembered After Tragic Owasso Death
Family members, friends, clients and communities across northeastern Oklahoma are mourning the death of Sara Gilson, a 43-year-old hairstylist and mother whose life was remembered for kindness, warmth and an unwavering devotion to her children.
Sara died on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in a fatal shooting in Owasso, Oklahoma. Authorities said the incident involved her estranged husband, Jeremiah Shawn Duffey, 48, who was also found dead at the scene.
Investigators are treating the incident as a murder-suicide.
While the circumstances of Sara’s death have brought profound grief to those who loved her, the people who knew her continue to remember her for the life she lived, the relationships she built and the love she gave to her family.
What Happened to Sara Gilson?
According to authorities, officers responded to a 911 call in Owasso on July 23 and found Sara Gilson and Duffey deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.
Investigators believe Sara was fatally shot before Duffey died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities have not indicated that anyone else was involved in the incident.
The investigation has also renewed public discussion about domestic violence and the difficulties faced by people seeking protection from abusive or threatening situations.
Who Was Sara Gilson?
Sara Gilson was a hairstylist, mother and friend who had built meaningful relationships throughout her life.
Originally from San Diego, California, she later made her home in Collinsville, Oklahoma, where she worked as a Hair Designer and Stylist at Glaze Hair Salon.
For many of her clients, Sara was more than a professional behind the salon chair. She was someone they trusted, talked with and looked forward to seeing. Over the years, professional relationships became friendships, and clients remembered her for the warmth and personal connection she brought to her work.
Those who knew Sara described her as caring, welcoming and deeply committed to her children.
Sara Gilson’s Children Were at the Center of Her Life
Friends and those close to Sara consistently remembered the love she had for her children.
Her family was central to her life, and tributes following her death have repeatedly highlighted her dedication as a mother. Friends described her children as her greatest priority and spoke of the love, care and protection she showed them.
For those mourning her death, memories of Sara as a mother remain among the most important parts of her legacy.
Protective Orders Had Previously Been Sought
Publicly available court records indicate that Sara had sought legal protection from her estranged husband before her death.
Approximately one month before the fatal shooting, she appeared in court seeking to continue an emergency protective order. The order included restrictions requiring Duffey to remain away from Sara and leave the family home.
Court records also reflected concerns about his behavior and the presence of a firearm.
Sara had previously filed protective orders involving Duffey in 2021, although those cases were later dismissed after she did not appear at scheduled hearings.
The circumstances surrounding the protective orders have drawn renewed attention following Sara’s death, particularly as friends and advocates discuss the challenges faced by people attempting to obtain safety and protection from domestic violence.
Final TikTok Post Draws Attention After Her Death
One of Sara’s final TikTok posts has also received widespread attention following her death.
The video appeared to show Sara visibly nervous as she sat in a chair, while text on the screen referenced a popular trend styled after true-crime and documentary content. The post included references to her estranged husband.
After the tragedy, many viewers interpreted the video as a possible reflection of fears Sara may have been experiencing before her death.
However, the post has not been publicly identified by investigators as evidence in the criminal investigation. Its meaning and context should therefore not be assumed beyond what has been officially established.
Friends Remember a Loving Mother and Loyal Friend
Sara’s friends have shared deeply emotional tributes following her death.
One close friend, Kelsi Lard, reflected on more than two decades of friendship and the many experiences they shared through the years. Her tribute described a relationship that endured through life’s happiest moments and its most difficult challenges.
She also expressed a commitment to continuing to love and support Sara’s children.
Another tribute came from Rachel Nelson-Coyle, a longtime salon client who remembered Sara as someone whose role extended far beyond hairstyling.
For many clients, Sara’s salon chair became a place where people could laugh, talk and feel understood. She was remembered as a trusted friend and a professional who made people feel welcome.
The tributes shared after her death have emphasized Sara’s generosity, compassion and devotion to her family.
Sara Gilson’s Legacy Lives On Through Her Family and Community
Sara’s life was much more than the tragic circumstances surrounding her death.
She was a mother, hairstylist, friend, colleague and trusted presence in the lives of many people. Her memory will continue through her children, family members, friends, coworkers and clients who knew her personally.
Those closest to Sara remember the everyday moments that made her special: conversations, laughter, friendship, encouragement and the love she showed to the people around her.
Her death has also led to renewed conversations about domestic violence, protective orders and the importance of taking concerns about personal safety seriously.
Although nothing can undo the grief experienced by Sara’s family and loved ones, many hope that remembering her life will help preserve her legacy and encourage greater awareness for others who may be facing dangerous situations.
Sara Gilson Obituary and Funeral Arrangements
Funeral and memorial arrangements for Sara Gilson had not been fully detailed in the information available at the time of publication.
Any visitation, funeral service, celebration of life or memorial arrangements announced by her family may provide an opportunity for loved ones, friends, clients and members of the community to gather and honor her memory.
Remembering Sara Gilson
Sara Gilson is remembered by those who knew her as a woman whose kindness, warmth and love for her children shaped the lives of the people around her.
Her death has left deep sorrow among her family, friends, clients and the wider Oklahoma community. Yet those who loved Sara continue to hold onto the memories of the person she was before the tragedy that ended her life.
She will be remembered as a devoted mother, a compassionate friend, a talented hairstylist and a woman whose presence brought comfort and connection to many people.
At this difficult time, condolences are with Sara Gilson’s children, family, friends, coworkers, clients and everyone mourning her death.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available at the time of publication. Details surrounding Sara Gilson’s death, the Owasso investigation, court proceedings, personal relationships, funeral arrangements and other related matters may be updated as additional verified information becomes available. Allegations contained in court filings should not be treated as proven facts unless established in court.