19-Year-Old Illinois River Drowning Victim Identified

The Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission has identified the 19-year-old man who drowned in the Illinois River Sunday. Devonte Morris had been fishing under the old bridge on Highway 62 east of Tahlequah, according to the reports.

Authorities believe the teenager was trying to climb back on the bank when he had a seizure and fell into the river. He was a resident of a group home for individuals with special needs.

6/7/2015 Related Story: 19-Year-Old Dies At Illinois River Near Tahlequah

Morris is the third person who's drowned on the river in the past four weeks. The latest drowning happened in the same area where 2-year-old Kayden Garcia drowned about two weeks ago.

None of the victims were swimming but rather fell into the water.

Ed Fite with the Scenic Rivers Commission said they ask people to follow the 10-foot rule while next to water. Even if you aren't planning to swim, wear a life jacket if you plan to be within 10 feet of a waterway, he said.