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An Oklahoma graduate student and rodeo star was killed in a duck hunting accident over the weekend, authorities confirmed.
Jackson Williams, 24, died Sunday morning when he went to retrieve a duck in Sooner Lake and hit a drop-off, causing his waders to fill with water and weigh him down, the Oklahoma Game Wardens announced.
Authorities later used side imaging to retrieve Williams’ body from the lake floor, KOCO reported.
“[Waders are] hard to get in and out of, even on dry land, and in a panic, in cold water, it can be really tough,” Capt. Ben Bickerstaff of the Oklahoma Game Wardens told the outlet.
“Our hearts go out to the family and the friends and loved ones of this young man. We want to make sure everyone knows that our hearts and prayers are with them,” he added.
Williams was a graduate student at Oklahoma State University’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, university officials confirmed to The Post Wednesday.
Williams attended OSU for seven semesters, spokesperson Shannon Rigsby explained.
Before attending OSU, Williams – who was originally from Arkansas – had an accomplished run in rodeos, including a stint under coach Jeff Collins at Panola College, his obituary read.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Jackson Williams, who was a graduate student in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences,” OSU’s statement said.
“In addition to being a student, Jackson served as the OSU Extension Agriculture and 4-H Educator in Logan County. He was a genuine and respectable young man, passionate about being a soil scientist, and loved rodeo and helping others,” the tribute continued.
“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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