Talon Whinery, 8, and Emmett Bennett, 9, Die After Falling Through Ice on Bird Creek in Oklahoma

 A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the small community near Avant, Oklahoma, after two young boys lost their lives when they fell through thin ice on Bird Creek.

Authorities identified the victims as 8-year-old Talon Michael Wayne Whinery and 9-year-old Emmett Bennett, classmates at Avant Public Schools. According to the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call was received at approximately 7:13 p.m. on February 7, reporting that one child had been found in the water.

First responders quickly arrived at the scene and pulled the boy from the creek, immediately beginning lifesaving efforts. Despite their attempts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The two boys had reportedly been missing for several hours before the emergency call was made.

A large-scale search operation was launched to locate the second child. Dozens of personnel from multiple agencies responded, including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Underwater Recovery Team, Tulsa Fire Department’s Task Force One, Avant Fire Department, Skiatook Fire Department, Barnsdall Fire Department, and Survival Flight EMS. Crews utilized drones, ground search teams, a rescue boat, and dive crews in a coordinated effort. At approximately 11:30 p.m., Emmett Bennett’s body was recovered from the water.

According to a GoFundMe page established by family member Renee Rivera, Talon’s grandfather and uncle were the ones who found him and immediately began CPR. Despite their desperate efforts, they were unable to save him. “Our hearts are shattered,” the fundraiser reads, reflecting the overwhelming grief felt by the family.

Avant Public Schools released a statement expressing sorrow over the devastating loss. “Our hearts are broken today as we grieve alongside our families and community,” the district said, adding that counseling services would be made available to students and staff.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office also extended condolences, acknowledging the emotional toll such tragedies take not only on families but also on first responders. Local fire officials issued a stark reminder in the aftermath: “Ice on creeks, ponds and lakes is never safe.”

As the investigation continues, the community is rallying around the grieving families, with fundraisers launched to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. In a town where everyone knows each other, the loss of two young lives has left an immeasurable void, and Talon and Emmett will be remembered with love and sorrow by all who knew them.

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