A search that began on August 7 following a boating incident near Buncombe Creek ended in tragedy Mondaymorningafteraman was located on the Oklahoma side of Lake Texoma. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office said the man was found Monday morning and authorities believe he is Gary Oldfield, the individual who went missing following Friday’s boating incident.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Oldfield, a 51-year-old from Fate, Texas, left Buncombe Creek after the storm. A few people on the boat entered the water, hanging on to the back of the boat. Another passenger fell in the water and Oldfield jumped in to save the one who fell into the water. Due to the high winds, Oldfield became separated from the boat, went under water and never resurfaced.
Theman’sfamilywasnotified by the Oklahoma Lake Patrol and the Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office has been contacted. Officials have not released the man’s identity pending confirmation and completion of the medical examiner’s process.
The search continued throughout the weekend and brought together multiple emergency response agencies, law enforcement officers, firefighters, divers and members of the Buncombe Creek community. Crews worked for several days in an effort to locate the missing boater.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office expressed its appreciation to the Buncombe Creek community and the numerous agencies and individuals who assisted with the search. Those assisting included the Buncombe CreekFireDepartment,Enos FireDepartment,theChickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Dive Team and Oklahoma Lake Patrol, along with numerous communitymembers who volunteered their time and resources.
Sheriff Donald Yow also thanked local businesses and residents who supported search crews while operations were underway. The sheriff’s office specifically recognized Twisted Anchor Grill, Willie's Rattling Pans and Honeyluv Coffee & Soda for providing food, water and hydration drinks to those involved in the search.
Search operations were conducted from an area referred to by responders as “Jurassic Park,” where members of the community gathered and worked alongside emergency personnel.
“This has been a tragic event, but the way this community came together to help has been truly remarkable,” Yow said in the statement.
The sheriff’s office said the outpouring of support demonstrated the strength of the Buncombe Creek and surrounding communities during a difficult and emotional search. Authorities are now awaiting the official identification process and findings from the medical examiner.
Yow asked residents to continue praying for the man’s family and friends, describing him as a father, husband, son and friend. The circumstances surrounding Friday’s boating incident remain under investigation.
The tragedy also serves as a reminder of the importance of taking boating safety seriously, particularly on a large andsometimesunpredictable body of water such as Lake Texoma. Before heading onto the water, boaters should make sure their vessel is properly equipped and in good working condition.
Another tragedy occurred on Lake Texoma on August 8. An eight-year-old from Denison,Texasjumpedinthe water in the Willow Springs area without a floatation device. He went under the dock and panicked.
A bystander pulled him fromthewaterandperformed CPR before he was transported to Alliance Health in Durant. He was ultimately flown to Children’s Health in Dallas, Texas where he succumbedtohisinjuriesand passed away on August 9.
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that every person aboard a recreational boat have a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jacket readily available. Wearing a life jacket is especially impor- tant for children and anyone whomaybeuncomfortableor inexperienced in the water.
Boaters should also check the weather and water conditions before leaving the dock and continue monitoring conditions while on the lake. Sudden storms, high winds, waves and reduced visibility can quickly turn a routine outing into a dangerous situation. A Coast Guardapproved personal flotation device should be worn whenever possible rather than simply stored somewhere on the boat.
Boaters should also have a throwable flotation device available,alongwithasoundproducing device such as a whistle or horn. Navigation lights should be checked before operating after dark and boaters should maintain asafespeedandkeepaproper lookout for other boats, swimmers, floating debris and changing water conditions.
Alcohol and boating are also a dangerous combination. Alcohol can impair judgment, balance, coordination and reaction time, making an accident much more likely. A sober person should always be responsible for operating the boat.
The U.S. Coast Guard also recommends having a reliable way to communicate in anemergency.AmarineVHF radio is particularly useful because it can allow boaters tocontactemergencyservices and other vessels.
A fully charged cellphone stored in a waterproof case can provide an additional means of communication, although cellphone coverage may not be dependable everywhere on a large lake. Boaters should tell someone on shore where they are going and when they expect to return.
A simple float plan can give rescuers valuable information if someone fails to return as expected. If someone falls overboard, the operator should immediately alert the other passengers, keep the personinsightandmaneuver the boat safely for a rescue.
If a boat is disabled or someone is missing, contacting authorities as quickly as possible can make a critical difference. Lake Texoma covers a vast area and crosses the Oklahoma-Texas state line, making preparation and awareness especially important.
A few minutes spent checkingequipment,weather conditions and safety gear before leaving shore can help prevent a boating emergency from becoming a tragedy.