ABlanchard grandfather made the ultimate sacrifice in saving his grandson from possibly drowning last Saturday in Rock Creek, in Chickasaw National Recreation, authorities at the scene were told.
The incident began unfolding on August 17 around 4:00 p.m. when Murray County Dispatch received a call of an active drowning occurring at an area along Rock Creek, known as “Forty-Foot Hole,” within Chickasaw National Recreation Area, according to a park statement. National Park Service Rangers were dispatched, along with first responders from Sulphur Police Department, Sulphur Fire Department, and Murray County EMS.
According to park authorities, first responders arrived on scene at approximately 4:04 p.m. Shortly thereafter, Randy Hicks, 54, of Blanchard, was discovered submerged and unconscious on the bottom of Rock Creek, in approximately six-to-seven feet of water, rangers said. Hicks was retrieved from the water and, once on the shore, received medical intervention. He was transported to Arbuckle Memorial Hospital in Sulphur, where medical staff worked on reviving him, before pronouncing him deceased officially at 4:59 p.m., according to the report.
Rangers conducted an onscene interview with the victim’s spouse, who advised that her husband was assisting their grandchild, who was having difficulty breathing and struggling to swim, officials said. Hicks dove down and successfully assisted the juvenile. But, in doing so, Hicks went under the water and did not return to the surface, officials said.
According to the park, the investigation is ongoing pending the results of the medical examiner’s report and that no foul play is suspected. Next of kin notifications have been made.
On Monday, National Park Service officials extended their condolences to the victim’s family and gratitude to the local authorities for their assistance during the rescue and recovery efforts.
Rangers said in a final note that it is always a good idea to wear a personal flotation device when going into the water.
