Fort Smith Man Drowns In Arkansas River Near Muldrow

Associated Press

MULDROW, OK -- Authorities say a 34-year-old Fort Smith, Ark., man has drowned in the Arkansas River.

Police say David Lemley was swimming with a group of people at the W.D. Mayo Lock and Dam outside of Muldrow on Saturday when swift waters swept him under. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says Lemley got entangled in fishing line and didn't resurface.

Police said the dam had opened several times that day letting water out from the river. Sequoyah County Sheriff Ron Lackhart says the river was "swirling and unbelievable" and moving very fast.