Man Drowns When Creek Sweeps Away SUV Near Broken Bow

One man is dead after the SUV he was driving entered a creek in McCurtain County.

Police say Michael Liles, 30, drowned at the scene when the SUV entered a low water crossing on Lukfata Creek, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The OHP said water swept the SUV into the creek at about 9:15 p.m. Tuesday night.  

Liles and his passenger, 36-year-old Paul Rymel of Bethel, got out of the SUV and tried to swim to shore. Rymel made it but Liles did not, the OHP said.

Emergency crews recovered Liles' body about 100 yards downstream about two hours later.

The vehicle is still submerged in the water.