Man drowns in Illinois River near Tahlequah

State news

Man drowns in Illinois River near Tahlequah

Anonymous Associated Press Fri Jul 06, 2012, 12:22 PM CDT

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Authorities say a Tahlequah man has drowned in the Illinois River.

Thursday’s death is the third in less than a week on waterways under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission.

Commission administrator Ed Fite says 54-year-old Leslie Angel, who used the nickname “Rocky,” drowned at about 3 p.m. on the Illinois River just east of Tahlequah.

Witnesses say Angel told friends he wanted to go swimming at the city of Tahlequah-Riverside Park. He was later found floating face down in the river and attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

Authorities say Angel was not wearing a life jacket.

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