Body Of Sallisaw Man Recovered From Lake Tenkiller

Robert Garrison, NewsOn6.com

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Oklahoma -- Authorities recovered the body of a 25-year-old Sallisaw man from Lake Tenkiller who has been missing since Thursday.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Timothy Banister jumped off a rock bluff into the water in the Snake Creek area and never resurfaced.

Authorities immediately searched the area but found nothing. Saturday, crews recovered the victim's body after dragging the bottom of the lake in 50 feet of water. He was found 40 feet from where he jumped.

According to an accident report, the victim had been drinking alcohol prior to jumping off the bluff. He was not wearing a life jacket.