Tyler-based KLTV-TV has reported that two men have died as a result of drowning in Lake Sulphur Springs on the afternoon of May 9.
Doyle Ray Brooks, 19, and Clay Deaton Mitchell, also 19, died after being sucked under by strong currents, according to the Sulphur Springs Police Department. The men were noodling - catfishing by hand - according to the KLTV report.
Captain Jay Sanders with the Sulphur Springs Police Department said officers received an emergency call around 12:15 p.m. reporting two men in the water at Lake Sulphur Springs.
Four men were on the lake near the area where a dam used to divide Lake Sulphur Springs and Century Lake, KLTV said. The current is strong in the area where the dam broke, Sanders said.
The two men decided to swim across the current, but almost as soon as they entered the current, they were pushed underwater and further out into the lake, KLTV said. One of the men on the bank jumped into the water in an effort to help them. The current was too strong and pushed him underwater also, Sanders said.
A man in a boat saw what was happening and got to the men, managing to save the third man that had jumped into the water, the report said.
Texas Game Wardens and officers with the Sulphur Springs Police Department were on scene, KLTV said. A Texas Department of Public Safety dive team has been notified, officials said.
