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June 2, 2008

Two boys pulled from creek

By Keith Purtell

The Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission reported that a 13-year-old boy was rescued early Monday afternoon by a friend and a Delaware County sheriff’s deputy.

Billie Miller of Flint Ridge said her grandson Shadoe Miller was walking with a friend along rocks near where U.S. 412 spans Flint Creek. The boy’s friend, Tyler West, also 13, fell into the water and began calling for help. Shadoe Miller dived in to save him.

West was able to escape the worst of the current, but Miller was pulled under multiple times until he became unconscious.

Billie Miller said the situation reversed when West began pulling Miller to safety.

“They were trying to help each other, so they’re both my heroes,” she said.

Delaware County Deputy Sheriff Steve Brownell arrived on the scene and dove in to help the two boys. Billie Miller said Brownell played a crucial role in the rescue.

“He held Shadoe across his lap with his head out of the water,” she said. “But he couldn’t move him until the ambulance got there because of possible internal injuries. He kept talking to Shadoe when he became conscious.”

Ranger Stephanie Stephens confirmed that Brownell helped keep the two victims afloat until emergency responders arrived at approximately 2:45 p.m. to retrieve everyone from the water.

Shadoe Miller was transported to a hospital in Siloam Springs, Ark., where he was treated and released.



Reach Keith Purtell at 918-684-2925 or Click Here to Send Email

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