Man Drowns On Illinois River Saturday

NewsOn6.com

TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma – The Illinois River claims another victim.

A man rafting with friends on the Illinois River drowned Saturday, according to the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission.

The victim was identified as 32-year-old Datrick Martin from Boley, Oklahoma.

Authorities say Martin had gotten out of the raft to swim when he stepped off into area of deeper water and got swept under by the river's current.

The victim's body was recovered later in 6 feet of water.

Authorities say Martin was not wearing a safety jacket and may have been consuming a large amount of alcohol.

This is the fifth drowning incident on the Illinois River since the Memorial Day Holiday weekend.

06/20/2011 Related Story: Safety Urged On Illinois River In Wake Of Drownings