Two drown in Milam County pond (updated Nov. 23 at 6 pm)
Two people, including a former Yoe High football standout, drowned on an area pond on Sunday afternoon.
Former Yoe football standout Traion Smith of Cameron and Desmond Willams of Temple drowned.
Cameron Volunteer Fire Department, the Milam County Sheriff`s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, and Game Wardens responded about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, to reports that two men drowned while fishing on private property in the 2400 block of CR 139 off FM 485 in rural Milam County.
According to Milam County Sheriff Chris White, Sgt. Sam Ferguson and a Cameron firefighter attempted to wade into the water upon arrival to find the men, but were unsuccessful.
As the scene transitioned from rescue to recovery, crews began to search using a boat and located the body of 22-year-old Smith about 5:15 p.m. Sunday.
Emergency crews continued to search for the 30-year-old Williams.
White said the wife of Williams was on scene and was the person who called 911 when the boat the two men were on overturned in the middle of the pond. The search for Williams was called off about 10 p.m. Sunday night and resumed at first light on Monday.
White said Williams was located at approximately 3:45 p.m. through the concerted search efforts of the Texas Game Wardens, Morgan’s Point Dive Team, Precint 1 Constable John Anderle and Milam County Sheriff’s Office.
“Our second effort with better equipment and divers lasted for just over eight hours,” White said. “I am relieved that we were able to find Mr. Williams’ body today. I hope that it will bring a little closure and relief to the family who waited patiently for the conclusion of today’s efforts.”
White said the bodies were transported to the Travis County Medical Examiner for an autopsy.
“The Milam County Sheriff’s Office does believe the incident to be a tragic accident and we will continue to pray for the families of both men,” White said. “Everyone is saddened by this tragic loss and I ask for prayers from the community for the grieving family and friends of both Smith and Williams.”
Smith helped lead the Cameron Yoemen football team to three state titles and four state title games. He finished his career as the all-time leading rusher in school history.