A Norman man drowned Tuesday evening after swimming out to help a teenager in distress at Longmire Lake in Garvin County, authorities said.
The incident unfolded shortly before 7 p.m. on July 14, when family members were at the reservoir and saw the teen run into trouble in the water. Emergency crews rushed to the scene and launched a search across the lake.
Pauls Valley police identified the victim as 42-year-old Emmett Matthews of Norman, according to KOCO. The outlet reports Matthews was at the lake with his wife and their 14-year-old son when the teenager swam out and got into difficulty. Matthews went in after him and did not resurface. Authorities are still investigating exactly what happened.
About Longmire Lake
Longmire Lake impounds Sandy Creek roughly 17.6 kilometers east of Pauls Valley and is a city-managed reservoir with a boat ramp and dock, according to an Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation fisheries report. The report notes variable depth and turbid water that can complicate rescues and hide underwater hazards.
Search and recovery
Multiple agencies, including the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department dive team, responded to the emergency call and located Matthews about an hour later, according to KOCO. Pauls Valley police later posted a public message offering thoughts and prayers to the family and to first responders, the outlet reports.
Safety and next steps
Officials did not immediately release more details about the teen's condition.
Natural lakes can conceal strong drop-offs, debris, and murky water. To cut drowning risk, CDC guidelines recommend life jackets for weaker swimmers, constant supervision of children, and formal swim lessons.
