Teenager drowns in Guthrie’s Liberty Lake

Story updated on May 14 at 1:45

A 14-year-old boy tragically drowned Monday afternoon at Lake Liberty in Guthrie when he was with friends and family swimming.

Guthrie Police Department’s Lt. Mark Bruning says the teenager was with a group of juveniles when they took off swimming toward a valve station in the water at approximately 50 yards from shore. The victim disappeared from the group and was found 25 yards from the shore in 16 feet of water.

The teen was identified at Daulton Patterson. He was an eighth grade student at Guthrie Junior High.

“Obviously, our heart goes out to Daulton’s family as well as his fellow students. The loss of young people is possibly one of the saddest parts of life and this is a very sad day in Guthrie. We will continue to offer assistance to our students as they cope with this tragedy,” Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson said in a statement on Tuesday.

The call came in at around 5 p.m. and rescuers were not able to recover the body until after 7 p.m.

Bruning says the water temperature (60 degrees) may have been a factor and that an experienced swimmer may have had troubled swimming that distance.

Edmond Fire and Rescue, Guthrie Fire Department and Oklahoma Highway Patrol assisted in the recovery.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson said, “counselors from across the district as well as the local agencies will be present at Guthrie Junior High School to assist students (until needed).”