By AP
Tahlequah, OK – OK teen who vanished on Illinois River identified
TALEQUAH, Okla. (AP) Authorities have identified a teenager who disappeared while swimming in the Illinois River in eastern Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Administrator Ed Fite says 18-year-old Xenepher Wiley Jr. hasn't been seen since swimming with friends on Friday afternoon near the U.S. 62 bridge.
Fite says witnesses saw Wiley struggle in the water near the bridge. Friends tried to help the youth but couldn't get him out of the water.
Fite says the river currents are strong and that anyone venturing on or into the water should wear a personal flotation device.