Teen tries to save his brother, but both drown after jump into lake, Oklahoma cops say

A community is mourning after two brothers drowned while swimming at a lake in eastern Oklahoma.

The brothers, ages 19 and 16, were leaping off of rocks at Rocky Point Park, near Fort Gibson Lake, along with two others, in the evening on June 9, according to a release from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

But a storm “quickly moved in,” bringing high winds and causing large waves that “made it difficult for the victims and others to get out of the water,” the release said. The 16-year-old noticed his brother was struggling and he swam back out into the lake to help him — but both went under and weren’t seen again.

Search crews combed the lake and around 11 a.m. the following day, they were found in 12 feet of water by a dive team, the release said.

Both victims are from Okay, officials said, a small town roughly 50 miles southeast of downtown Tulsa.

“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we share the news of the untimely passing of Kalub and Damian Mayton, cherished members of the Tiger family,” Fort Gibson Public Schools said in a June 10 Facebook post.

The older brother, Damian, had graduated from the school district in 2022, but his younger brother was still a student.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered their condolences, support, and assistance during this difficult time. The outpouring of love and solidarity is a testament to the strength and unity of our great community,” the district said.

This story was originally published June 12, 2023 at 11:10 AM with the headline "Teen tries to save his brother, but both drown after jump into lake, Oklahoma cops say."