Body Of Missing 13-Year-Old Del City Teen Recovered From Creek

Emergency crews have found the body of a teenager who was swept away by floodwaters from an Oklahoma City creek.

Tuesday, July 6th 2010, 7:45 pm

By: News 9


Staff and Wire Reports

DEL CITY, Oklahoma -- Emergency crews have found the body of a teen who was swept away by floodwaters from an Oklahoma City creek.

Deputy Fire Chief Cecil Clay said an Oklahoma Highway Patrol helicopter spotted the teen's body about 10 a.m. Wednesday in between bridges on the Oklahoma River near Interstate 35, about 2 miles from where 13-year-old Gerardo Canales was playing.

Oklahoma City police said the 13-year-old and a 14-year-old were playing in the creek when both were swept away by the water.

Gerardo's family said they had warned him to stay away from the creek. Gerardo's three older sisters say they knew he had an adventuresome side. But they never could have prepared for something like this.

"He was a very wonderful son and brother. We just want him back, want to see his face," said Amanda Vargas, Gerardo's sister.

Gerardo was becoming a young man. He just walked his big sister down the aisle at her wedding in May. His relatives hope having his body to bury will bring them some closure.

"Just hanging tight together and making arrangements. And just give 'em to little baby Jesus," said Vargas.

The 14-year-old was rescued near S.E. 40th Street and Oklahoma Avenue. Crews were searching for 13-year-old Gerardo Canales since 6 p.m. Tuesday.

About 25 divers assisted in the search.

Strong storms with torrential rain in that area caused the creek to flood out of its banks. The water had receded to 3-4 feet by morning, but had been up over 20 feet Tuesday night.

Another person was pulled from a different creek near 15th Street and Midwest Boulevard. The 16-year-old and a few friends were playing in the flood waters. The teen was pulled by the current but was rescued and is safe.

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