BY ANDY TAYLOR
chronicle@taylornews.org

CANEY — An 89-year-old Coffeyville man died of injuries early Wednesday, Aug. 25, following a fall at the Little Caney River dam northwest of Caney the prevoius afternoon.

Caney police chief Rick Pell said John Jackson, age 89, of Coffeyville was fishing along the river bank with his wife on Tuesday when he tripped and fell down the dam face, landing head first on the rocks below the dam.

Jackson floated down river before Joseph Owensby of Caney, who was also fishing at the dam at the same time, jumped in and pulled Jackson’s body to the river bank.

The Caney Fire Department, police force, ambulance services and county sheriff’s department were summoned to bring a boat to the river and rescue Jackson and Owensby. Jackson were placed on a stokes basket, which is used in high-angle rescue situations, and hoisted to ground level and later taken to the Caney Valley High School football practice field where a medical helicopter was waiting. Jackson was flown to St. John’s Medical Center in Tulsa for medical treatment.

Pell cited the quick action of Owensby, who was not injured, for jumping into the river to save Jackson from further harm.

Jackson was conscious when he was taken to the medical helicopter. However, CPR was performed as he was being loaded into the helicopter and awaiting transfer to Tulsa.

Funeral services for Jackson will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 26 at the Lewark Church of God in Coffeyville.