The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner’s office has determined the death of a 32-year-old Shawnee man, who died Monday while rescuing a drowning child in a creek at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, was the result of drowning.
Cherokee Ballard, medical examiner spokeswoman, said the determination was made Tuesday based on the results of an autopsy.
The victim has been identified as Gregory Barker, according to Eric Leonard, CNRA public information officer.
“The victim and the child were part of an extended family group using the park. The portion of Rock Creek where the incident occurred is undeveloped and in a generally natural state, meaning that water depth is variable, banks are usually steep and underwater debris may be present,” Leonard said.
The accident occurred about 5:15 p.m. when the child, an 8-year-old girl, began struggling in the water. Leonard said Barker managed to save the child, but not himself.
“Bystanders and other park visitors pulled the man from the water. CPR was begun when emergency personnel arrived,” Leonard said.
Barker was taken to the Sulphur hospital by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead.
“Alcohol use is not suspected to be a factor in this incident,” Leonard said.
The child Barker rescued was also taken to the hospital. She was treated and later released.
CNRA law enforcement park rangers are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Shawnee man’s death. Tuesday afternoon Gary Johnson, FBI spokesman, confirmed the agency had also been involved in the initial stages of the investigation. Johnson said evidence indicated Barker’s death was an accident.
“There is no indication of foul play and the FBI is no longer involved in the investigation. It has been turned over to the National Park Service,” he said.
The Four Rules
The accidental drowning of a Shawnee man Monday at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area has led park officials to urge visitors to remember to use the four safety rules when attempting a water rescue.
“This incident underscores the importance of the water safety rescue sequence: reach, throw, row, don’t go,” said Eric Leonard, CNRA public information officer.
• Reach: To help someone in the water, attempt a reach technique first. Use a fishing pole, towel or boat oar, but don’t get in the water yourself.
• Throw: Scan your area for items such as an empty milk jug, cooler or ring buoys that can be thrown to someone in the water.
• Row: It’s not safe to go near a swimmer with the boat motor running. Use the oars to bring the boat close enough to reach or throw.
• Don’t Go: Attempting a swim rescue without expert training and experience in lifesaving techniques is dangerous. You could put yourself in danger along with the person you are trying to help.
