The Grand River Dam Authority Police Department is reporting that the body of a male was recovered from the waters of the Illinois River Saturday evening.
According to the police, the individual was floating with friends south of the Riverside Floats area on the Illinois River at approximately 4PM, when he attempted to swim across the river. However, he began to struggle, went under and did not resurface.
Witnesses immediately called the GRDA Police, which began rescue efforts soon after along with other emergency responders. Tahlequah Fire Department, Illinois River Fire Department, Cherokee Nation EMS and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office were all involved in the search effort.
The body was located in about 6.5 feet of water and recovered at approximately 7:30PM. It was taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Tulsa.