Troopers Say 84-Year-Old Man Drowns On Fort Gibson Lake

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported to a scene Sunday night where a man drowned at Hickory Creek Cove on Fort Gibson Lake.

According to the family of the victim's account to Troopers, 84-year-old Ernie Lemon, Jr. told his family that he was going to swim to the boat dock and retrieve a paddle boat between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

Authorities said the lake was approximately 16 feet above normal and the walkway to the boat dock was completely underwater.

Lemon was later found at the end of the walkway by the Cherokee Nation Dive Team around 6:45 p.m.

OHP said Lemon was not wearing a personal flotation device.