HOCHATOWN, Okla.- The tragic deaths of two children in separate accidents on the same day, has rocked the residents of this vacation community, especially the first responders who worked to save the children.
"This has been absolutely one of the toughest times I've had as a first responder," said Mark Hannah, an Oklahoma Game Warden and Eagletown Oklahoma Volunteer Fire Department Chief.
Rowan Mayes, 7, of Paris, Texas, died Monday from injuries he suffered when his mother's van was rear ended on Highway 259 in Hochatown. Shortly after the accident, Leilah Johnson, 11, was reported missing at Broken Bow Lake. Her body was found in the lake the next morning. Officials believe her death was an accidental drowning.
Hannah was one of several first responders who helped extricate Rowan from the vehicle.
"McCurtain County EMS transported him to meet Air Evac. I transported his mom and siblings there so his mom could see him before the air transport," Hannah said.
After the family headed to the hospital, Hannah joined the search for Leilah at the lake.
Leila was on a family vacation, to celebrate her sister's graduation when she suddenly went missing.
She was reported missing about 4 p.m. Monday. Family also feared the girl may have been kidnapped, and park and deputies spend hours searching the area.
Hannah was involved in the search, when he was notified Rowan had died from his injuries.
"I was completely and utterly devastated," he said. "I had to notify several of the firefighters at our county meeting Tuesday. One of the divers that looked for Leilah on that evening, Cody Gilbert, is also one of the firefighters that assisted in Rowan's extrication," he said.
The search for Leilah was halted at 10 p.m. Monday and resumed at daybreak Tuesday.
Leilah's body was discovered in the lake early Tuesday.
GoFundMe accounts have been set up for the families of both children.
"Rowan was an amazing child that had never met a stranger. He was a very active little boy that loved his family and friends, according to his GoFundMe.
Rowan attended elementary school at Blossom, Texas, and played on a baseball team. He also loved to fish.
All donations will go towards his medical bills and funeral service.
The GoFundMe account for Leilah's family is to cover funeral costs. Leilah lived in North Texas and enjoyed running track.
A vigil was held Tuesday night at Beavers Bend State Park to honor both children. Locals wanted to do something for the families before they returned to Texas.
"It was one of the most touching events. Probably about 70 people were there. All of the families that were impacted spoke about their loved ones," said organizer Jason Ricketts in a Facebook post.