COVINGTON COUNTY — A body has been recovered during the search for a teenager believed to have drowned Tuesday afternoon in the Okatoma River, according to WTVA.
Covington County Coroner Chris A. DaQuila identified the teen as 14-year-old Dontavius “DJ” Booth Jr.
According to WTVA, Booth was believed to have drowned near Seminary Falls.
Covington County Emergency Management Director Brennon Chancellor told WTVA that dive teams began searching shortly before 1 p.m.
Around 3 p.m., authorities asked anyone who was not family to step away from the scene. Chancellor said that is when Booth was found.
His body was located about 15 to 20 yards from where he originally entered the river.
Chancellor said Booth had been swimming with two other juveniles. A 911 call was made around 12:27 p.m. after Booth went into the water and did not resurface.
WTVA reported that the Okatoma River was at a normal level of about 8.9 feet at the time.
Chancellor said recent rainfall and flood hazards created uncertainty for dive teams as they began the search.
The Covington County school district released a photo of Dontavius saying,
“It is with deep sadness that we extend our condolences to the family of Dontavius Booth Jr. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
