Two Young Oklahoma Boys Drown After Falling Through Thin Ice

Emmett Bennett and Talon Michael Wayne Whinery died in tragic accident on Bird Creek near their hometown of Avant

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Two young boys from Oklahoma, Emmett Bennett and Talon Michael Wayne Whinery, drowned after falling through thin ice covering Bird Creek near their hometown of Avant on February 7. The Osage County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call around 7:13 pm local time that day reporting one of the boys had been found in the water. Despite lifesaving efforts, both boys were pronounced dead at the scene.

Why it matters

The tragic deaths of the two young boys have deeply impacted the Avant community. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of walking on frozen bodies of water during frigid temperatures, and the importance of exercising caution to prevent such devastating accidents.

The details

According to the Osage County Sheriff's Office, the two boys were friends and classmates who fell through the thin ice covering Bird Creek. Emmett Bennett's body was not recovered until several hours later, with dozens of emergency personnel working to locate him. The Osage County Sheriff's Office, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Underwater Recovery Team, Tulsa Fire Department, and other first responders assisted in the recovery efforts.

  • On February 7, 2026 at 7:13 pm local time, the Osage County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call reporting one of the boys had been found in the water.
  • Emmett Bennett's body was located and recovered around 11:30 pm that same night.

The players

Emmett Bennett

A 9-year-old boy who drowned after falling through thin ice on Bird Creek.

Talon Michael Wayne Whinery

A young boy who drowned alongside his friend Emmett Bennett after they fell through thin ice on Bird Creek.

Osage County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the 911 call and led the recovery efforts.

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What they’re saying

“The Osage County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire Avant community during this unimaginable loss. Incidents involving children are among the most difficult situations first responders face, and this tragedy has deeply impacted everyone involved.”

— Osage County Sheriff's Office (Osage County Sheriff's Office)

“Our hearts are broken today as we grieve alongside our families and community. Our focus at this time is on caring for our students, staff, and families with compassion and sensitivity during this incredibly difficult period.”

— Avant Public School (Avant Public School)

What’s next

The boys' deaths remain under investigation by the Osage County Sheriff's Office.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of exercising extreme caution around frozen bodies of water, especially during the winter months. The Avant community is grieving the devastating loss of these two young lives, and the focus now is on providing support and compassion to the affected families and students.