Days After Michael Phelps Posts Alarming Drowning Stats, a 70-Year-Old Oklahoma Native’s Swimming Adventure Leads to a Tragic Fate

On a fateful Sunday afternoon in Choctaw, Oklahoma, the serene ambiance of a swimming pool turned tragic. A 70-year-old local lost his life in his own pool. As new details continue to emerge, the incident echoes the alarming drowning statistics recently shared by the legendary swimmer, Michael Phelps.

The Olympic legend has committed to a noble cause to spread awareness of the ominous statistics surrounding drowning incidents, particularly those involving children. The recent incident in Choctaw, Oklahoma, serves as an upsetting example of the dangers hiding in seemingly calm waters as the world struggles with the seriousness of this issue.

A tragic swimming incident in Oklahoma home

According to Fox 25, an unfortunate incident that would shock the neighborhood took place on a seemingly routine Sunday afternoon in a peaceful area of Choctaw, Oklahoma. According to reports, a 70-year-old man who was dead and unresponsive was pulled from a swimming pool. Authorities arrived at the scene near South Triple X Road and Railhead Drive shortly after receiving the distress call.

Law enforcement carefully pieced together the circumstances of the incident and learned that a neighbor had found the elderly man in the pool outside his home. The man was declared dead at the scene despite immediate attempts to save him. The community was left with questions and uncertainties as the investigation went on, and the police awaited the arrival of the Medical Examiner to clarify the circumstances surrounding this tragic death. This incident comes to light just a day after Michael Phelps revealed the terrifying statistics of pool drowning incidents.

Michael Phelps shares alarming pool drowning statistics

Michael Phelps, the legendary swimmer known for his record-breaking achievements, has been a vocal advocate for water safety. In a recent revelation that stunned the world, Phelps shared jarring statistics – a staggering 4,000 annual drownings worldwide, with 23% of these fatalities being children losing their lives in residential pools while their parents were present.

Read more: “We Know How Fast a Kid Can Drown”: Michael Phelps Invested $1 Million to Save Kids Under Age 14 From Drowning Scare

According to Healthline, it takes a mere 10 to 12 minutes for a drowning to turn fatal and lead to death. Children aged 5 to 14 and adults over 65 are more susceptible to drowning. Phelps drew attention to the crucial problem and emphasized the necessity of being vigilant at family gatherings, where commotion and distractions can unintentionally result in tragic outcomes.

He expressed his concern in an Instagram post, highlighting the need for increased awareness and prevention, that kids could easily slink away unnoticed and end up in hazardous water features. In contrast to how they are portrayed in movies, drowning incidents occur quickly and silently. There aren’t any exuberant arm flails or cries for assistance. Victims of drowning are silent, and within minutes, things can get very bad. Untrained eyes may miss the danger, but trained lifeguards can recognize the warning signs.

Phelps’ goal is to give parents and adults the knowledge and tools they need to avoid such terrifying situations. As the Choctaw community mourns the loss of one of its own, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life around water bodies.

Watch this story: Tiger Woods’ ‘Massive Scream for Help’ Resonated With Michael Phelps, Who Comforted the Golfer During a Dark Moment in 2017.