Student Athlete Dies After Swimming Accident

The start of summer brings the tragic death of a student athlete with a promising future.  Friends, family, coaches and teachers are mourning the death of a 17-year-old Coweta student.  Terrence Collins was rushed to the hospital after a near drowning over the Memorial Day weekend.  News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports Collins died Thursday at a Tulsa hospital.

Those who knew him have heavy hearts.

"Apparently got out in some deep water, possibly had a cramp, got tired and he couldn't make it back into shore," said track coach Darron Hummingbird.

Terrence Collins had just finished his junior year at Coweta High School.  He had recently wrapped up a successful track season in which he qualified for state in two events.

"He was a very friendly, outgoing young man.  He loved to make friends.  Had tons of friends.  Just a friendly, happy kid," said track coach Darron Hummingbird.

Collins went under the water at Lake Tenkiller while swimming at Cherokee Landing State Park.  He had been under for about ten minutes before being pulled from the water.  Collins died four days later.

"Such a bright, young man.  Great personality. And, just to lose someone that had so many friends, to lose someone that everybody loved, just tragic," said track coach Darron Hummingbird.

Hummingbird says Collins teammates and fellow students are taking his death hard.  And, he says they'll miss the 17 year old's outgoing personality and smile.

"Remember that life is valuable.  And every day is precious," said track coach Darron Hummingbird.

Funeral services are pending.  The family has a fund set up at Bank of Oklahoma, where donations can be made to cover funeral expenses.