A juvenile was seriously injured Saturday afternoon after falling from an inner tube being towed behind a boat on Lake Eufaula.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 3:21 p.m. on July 4, 2026, about three miles south of Walker in Pittsburg County.
Investigators said a 2008 Galaxy ski boat was towing a juvenile who was riding on an inner tube when the rider fell from the tube and struck his head on the water.
The injured juvenile, whose name is being withheld, was transported by Community EMS to a landing zone before being airlifted by Air Care to Saint Francis Hospital for treatment.
The boat was operated by Rashena Smith of Oologah, who was not injured.
Also on board the vessel were:
- Candace Smith of McAlester
- Austin Smith of McAlester
- Sidney Smith of Claremore
- Kristen Hall of Owasso
- Crystal Brooks of Owasso
- Two juveniles from McAlester
None of the passengers were injured.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that the injured juvenile was wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the incident. Air temperature was approximately 95 degrees, and the water temperature was 87 degrees.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
