Rescue efforts for a 22-year-old man, who reportedly disappeared in rushing waters, have been halted in the face of perilous conditions. Celebrating the Fourth of July, the man and a group of friends were leaping into either the Deep Fork River or Smith Creek, close to a waterfall on Peebly Road near Northeast 178th Street in Luther when the incident took place. After the man failed to resurface, one of his companions attempted a rescue but also emerged without success. The distress call was placed shortly after 1:10 p.m., as cited by KOCO 5.
Given the high and swift waters, the search parameters, which involved the combined efforts of the Oklahoma City police and fire departments, as well as Luther Fire Department, presented too great a hazard for continuous operation. Major Ryan Hill of the Oklahoma City Fire Department explained, according to an interview with KOCO 5, "Extremely extensive, very hard to get to, you guys can see at the long ways down back over there. The water the way it’s turbulent and the particles in the water is creating a foam blanket that’s several feet deep, that we can’t even see through." Hill further noted the disorienting nature of the conditions and the risk involved for the dive team, making continued efforts futile for the present.
Despite exhaustive search measures, including the deployment of the Air One helicopter and drones for overhead scrutiny, the decision to suspend the search was reached reluctantly after two intense hours. As the operations ceased, concerned bystanders and family were left awaiting news of the missing man. Both the The Oklahoman and KFOR reached out to police for updates, which were not immediately available.
The Oklahoma City Fire Department has stated that the search may resume once conditions subside, ensuring a safer environment for rescue personnel.
