Jackson Williams.Photo:Facebook
“Water overcame his waders and he did not return to the surface,” Oklahoma Game Wardens said of Williams.
Oklahoma Game Wardens staff found Williams on the lake floor via side imaging and assisted the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s Lake Patrol in the recovery of his body, authorities added.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to this young man’s friends and family,” Oklahoma Game Wardens said. “The hunting community is small and close knit, he will be missed.”
PEOPLE reached out to Oklahoma Game Wardens for comment on Wednesday.
Sooner Lake, where Jackson Williams was out duck hunting when he died on Dec. 10.Oklahoma Game Wardens/ Facebook
Oklahoma Game Wardens/ Facebook
“In addition to being a student, Jackson served as the OSU Extension Agriculture and 4-H Educator in Logan County,” the university said in its statement. “He was a genuine and respectable young man, passionate about being a soil scientist and loved rodeo and helping others. Our hearts go out to Jackson’s parents and family, friends, co-workers, the 4-H’ers and producers he advised and his former OSU Rodeo team members.”
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According to hisobituary, Williams was born in Conway, Arkansas, adding that he took part in rodeoing while in the ninth grade.
“After graduation he attended Panola College, in Carthage, Texas,” the obituary said, “there he met his great mentor, Jeff Collins. He received his associate degree in Agronomy, this was his first year competing in the Ote Berry Junior World Championship, in Las Vegas, Nevada where he finished in the top twenty.”
Williams later transferred to the University of Arkansas of Monticello and finished his four-year degree in crop and field science, per the obituary. He then attended Oklahoma State University and earned his master’s degree in crop and field science.
“Jackson loved rodeoing, duck hunting, and turkey hunting,” the tribute continued.
source: people.com
