Appalachia Bay Drowning Victims in Pawnee County Identified

An adult and a child drowned Thursday afternoon in Pawnee County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The OHP identified the individuals Thursday evening.

The incident occurred at Appalachia Bay Recreation Area in Pawnee County on Thursday afternoon, July 4.

OHP confirmed that a 14-year-old boy (name withheld) from Tulsa was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Oklahoma State Medical Investigator.

OHP also said Nathanial A. Richardson, 39, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Oklahoma State Medical Investigator.

Authorities say the child was swimming in Keystone Lake when he began to struggle. OHP says Richardson entered the water to try to save the child. OHP confirmed that neither victim resurfaced.

Both victims were recovered from approximately 12 feet of water by Troop W and the OHP Dive Team.

A good Samaritan on the beach was able to swim to shore and help save the other three people, authorities said.