Names Released in Deadly Lake Palestine Boating Accident
Posted/updated on: January 18, 2012 at 1:36 pm
NOONDAY (AP/Staff) — Authorities have released the names of two Lancaster residents who were victims in a Monday boating accident on Lake Palestine. According to KETK, the woman is 55-year-old Barbara Cooper. She was last reported in fair condition at a Tyler hospital. Her husband, who died, has been identified as 58-year-old Floyd Cooper.
Firefighters from Noonday on Monday afternoon responded to a report of a capsized boat on the lake. Fisherman Paul Dowdy says he and his girlfriend noticed part of a small boat sticking out of the water. Dowdy says they then saw a woman in the water, waving for help, then located her husband nearby.
Officials say the woman was hospitalized for treatment of hypothermia. An autopsy has been ordered on the man. The National Weather Service says conditions in the area Monday afternoon included temperatures in the 60s, with wind gusts topping 20 mph.
