A weekend trip on Bell Cow Lake near Chandler in Lincoln County ended in tragedy Saturday after a small boat capsized, killing two men. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol later identified the victims as Donald Buzzell and Josef Bowser. Crews recovered their bodies Sunday morning after search-and-recovery teams worked through the night.
Recovery and investigation
According to News 9, investigators say the small vessel started taking on water before it rolled over Saturday evening. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol's marine enforcement unit and dive team located and recovered the men Sunday morning while crews continued processing the scene.
Timeline and response
The call for help came in shortly after 6 p.m., and rescue teams stayed on the water into the night. By about 9 p.m., officials had confirmed two people were dead, according to reporting carried by KFOR. Family members later confirmed the recoveries, and authorities say the case remains under active investigation.
About Bell Cow Lake
Bell Cow Lake is a municipal recreation area in Lincoln County with boat ramps, picnic spots and camping that regularly draw local visitors, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The department notes multiple launch points and facilities that see heavier use as the weather warms up.
What officials say next
Troopers told News 9 they planned to deploy dive teams Sunday morning and that investigators are working to pinpoint why the boat began taking on water. Officials have not released additional details about the victims' ages or other circumstances, citing the ongoing investigation.
