Who was Sara Gilson? TikToker and Oklahoma hairstylist killed by estranged husband weeks after warning about him in chilling viral video

Just weeks before her death, Sara Gilson posted a TikTok that many people are now calling heartbreaking in hindsight. The Oklahoma hairstylist and content creator hinted at serious fears surrounding her estranged husband, a video that has since resurfaced across social media. On July 23, police confirmed those fears ended in tragedy after Gilson was killed in what investigators described as a murder suicide.


The case has sparked grief online while also raising difficult conversations about domestic violence, protective orders, and the dangers victims often face when trying to leave abusive relationships.

Sara Gilson, who also went by her married name Sara Duffey online, was a 43 year old hairstylist from Owasso, Oklahoma. Alongside her work as a stylist, she had built a growing audience on TikTok under @mrsgilson, where she had more than 21,000 followers at the time of her death. She regularly shared everyday moments from her life, fashion finds, jewellery promotions, and family content, earning a loyal following through her relatable videos.

Friends and relatives remembered her as someone who brought energy into every room she entered. She was known as a devoted mother whose two sons were the biggest priority in her life. Supporters described her as hardworking, kind, and determined to create a better future for her children while balancing her salon career with content creation.


Sara Gilson was in the middle of divorcing her estranged husband, Jeremiah "Shawn" Duffey, when tensions between them escalated. Court records show she filed for an emergency protective order in June 2026, claiming Duffey had threatened suicide, possessed a firearm, and frightened her during a confrontation. The court ordered him to stay away from her and removed him from their shared home. The protective order remained active at the time of her death.

The case drew even more attention after separate court filings involving allegations that Duffey behaved inappropriately with a teenage girl he had coached. Those allegations were publicly reported, but no criminal conviction had been secured before the fatal shooting.

On July 11, less than two weeks before she was killed, Gilson shared a TikTok following a popular Netflix documentary trend. The video included text that read, "Preparing for when Netflix drops a documentary about my soon to be ex husband who I just found out is a pedophile." She added the caption, "I wish I was joking."

The post spread quickly online and gained renewed attention after news of her death broke. Her final social media updates also suggested she was trying to move on from a traumatic chapter in her life, leaving many followers devastated after learning what happened.


According to Owasso police, officers responded to a 911 call around 11.15 pm on July 23 after a child inside the home sought help. Investigators said Duffey fatally shot Gilson before taking his own life. Authorities confirmed the incident was a murder suicide and noted that the active protective order had been violated. Gilson's children were not physically injured, but they are now left grieving the loss of their mother.

The news quickly spread across TikTok, Facebook, and X, where thousands expressed shock and sadness. Family members shared emotional tributes describing Gilson as a loving mother who always put her children first. Her niece, Colbi Manry, called the news "gut wrenching" and "earth shattering," saying she broke down after learning what had happened.

Many users also questioned how a protective order failed to prevent the tragedy. One widely shared comment read, "Another reminder that a protective order cannot always stop someone determined to cause harm." Others focused on the two young boys left behind, with many offering prayers and support for the family.

Sara Gilson's death has become more than just another headline. Advocacy groups and social media users say her story highlights the dangerous period many victims face when attempting to leave abusive relationships.