LEFLORE COUNTY (KFSM) -- LeFlore County Undersheriff Kendall Morgan confirms that a 6-year-old involved in a boating accident died overnight at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock. A swift water rescue will continue Monday morning (April 24) at the Arkansas River at Lock and Dam 14. Police said there were four people, two adults and two children, who fell into the water after their 12-15' Jon boat capsized -- the boat has been recovered.
William and Christy Farhat, courtesy family
The adults, a step-mom and dad, are still missing, police said. LeFlore County Sheriff Rob Seale confirmed the parents as William and Christy Farhat from Arkoma, Oklahoma. The children have been identified as Physher, 6, and Weston, 4.
Weston made it out on his own and was found by firefighters who were driving by. "He is in good condition, but has a lot of cuts and bruises from walking up the embankment from the water," Seale said. He was taken to Sparks Hospital, where he was later released.
Physher was pulled from the water after rescuers saw him floating (in the water) with a life jacket on. He was air lifted to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock where he later died. Police say Weston told them his parents were not wearing life jackets.
Several agencies are helping with the river rescue, including the Sebastian County Boat Unit and a thermal imaging drone. Christy Farhat's parents are asking people to help with the search. They're asking people, especially those who have four-wheelers, to meet them at the Lock and Dam in Fort Coffee. There is a dirt road to turn on right before the entrance to the Lock and Dam, which leads to a boat dock.
