Two Children DROWN At an Oklahoma Creek— Ice Warning IGNORED

(LibertystarTribune.com) – Two young boys, ages 8 and 9, died in a heartbreaking tragedy after falling through thin ice on an Oklahoma creek, a stark reminder of winter’s deadly dangers that every parent should heed.

Story Snapshot

Two boys drowned after breaking through ice on Bird Creek near Avant, Oklahoma, in Osage County Saturday evening
Multi-agency rescue effort involving drones, dive teams, and boats recovered both children, but lifesaving measures failed
Osage County Sheriff’s Office issued urgent warning about deceptive frozen waterways appearing solid but remaining dangerously unpredictable
Small Avant community and first responders deeply impacted by tragedy involving children

Tragic Discovery on Bird Creek

Two boys, ages 8 and 9, died Saturday evening after falling through ice on Bird Creek near Avant, a small community in Osage County. The Osage County Sheriff’s Department received reports of missing children, prompting an immediate response. Around 7:13 p.m., a 911 call led first responders to locate one boy near the creek bank. Despite aggressive lifesaving efforts at the scene, he was pronounced dead. The incident unfolded during typical Oklahoma winter conditions that created deceptive ice coverage on the local waterway.

Extensive Search and Recovery Efforts

The search for the second child intensified throughout the evening as multiple agencies converged on the frozen creek. The Osage County Sheriff’s Department coordinated with Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Tulsa Task Force 1, Barnsdall EMS, Skiatook EMS, Skiatook Fire, and Air Evac EMS. Ground teams, drones, boats, and dive teams scoured the broken ice section where the boys had fallen through. The collaborative effort demonstrated the challenges first responders face during winter water rescues. Around 11:30 p.m., recovery teams located and retrieved the second child from the frigid waters.

Sheriff Issues Urgent Safety Warning

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office extended deepest condolences to the families while emphasizing the unpredictable nature of frozen waterways. Officials described incidents involving children as among the most difficult situations emergency personnel encounter. The sheriff’s statement stressed that ice remains “unpredictable and dangerous even when they appear solid,” urging the public to avoid frozen bodies of water entirely. This tragedy highlights recurring seasonal risks that affect rural communities throughout Oklahoma’s winter months. The warning serves as critical guidance for families during cold weather when creeks and ponds develop ice coverage.

Community Mourns Devastating Loss

The Avant community, located near Tulsa in Osage County, faces profound grief following the loss of two young lives. Bird Creek, a local waterway known to freeze during winter, became the site of unimaginable heartbreak for two families. The emotional toll extends beyond the victims’ families to include first responders who worked tirelessly through the night. Small towns like Avant feel such tragedies deeply, as tight-knit communities rally around affected families. This incident may prompt heightened ice safety awareness throughout Osage County, though no prior Bird Creek drownings were detailed in available reports. The Sheriff’s Department emphasized that the families and responding personnel remain “deeply impacted” by the devastating events of Saturday evening.