A 63-year-old Cherokee man has died in a drowning at Canton Lake, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol is now investigating what happened. George Highfill was identified as the victim, and officials say he died after drowning at the lake in Canton, Oklahoma.
The investigation was first reported by News 9, which confirmed that the Oklahoma Highway Patrol identified Highfill and is looking into the circumstances of his death. Officials have not released details about what led to the drowning, according to the outlet's report. The story remains developing, and no further findings from investigators have been made public.
A Popular but Sizable Lake in Northwest Oklahoma
Canton Lake sits two miles north of the town of Canton and about 18 miles southwest of Fairview along Highway 58, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The lake spans 7,910 acres of surface water and reaches a maximum depth of 35.2 feet, per the department's data.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages campgrounds around the lake that include full RV hookups, boat ramps and swimming beaches, the same source notes. The lake draws visitors for fishing, boating and camping throughout the warmer months, making it a familiar destination for both locals and travelers passing through northwest Oklahoma.
Investigation Ongoing
Beyond confirming Highfill's identity and the fact that he drowned, authorities have not disclosed how the incident was reported or where on the lake it occurred. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol's investigation into the drowning continues, and no additional details have been made available as of now.
