On the afternoon of Nov. 12, William Poff, 53, of Camilla, was recovered from the Trinity River, south of Lake Livingston Dam, by Texas Game Wardens.
San Jacinto County Sheriff Sam Houston and members of the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office were on scene alongside Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Royale Volunteer Fire Department and local first responders during the recovery efforts.
TPWD officials said their thoughts are with Mr. Poff’s family and the families of the two boys during this difficult time.
A post from the Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD on Nov. 11 states that the district mourning the tragic loss of two Coldspring-Oakhurst High School students, Jake Poff and Eric Lynn, who died in an accident on Sunday.
It states, "Our hearts are broken for these families, and our entire Trojan community is grieving this devastating loss. Jake and Eric were bright lights who touched so many lives with their kindness, spirit, and friendship. They were valued members of our school family, and their absence will be deeply felt by their classmates, teachers, and all who knew them.
"The district mobilized its crisis response team to support students and staff during this difficult time. Additional counselors were on campus yesterday, and our school counselors will continue to be available in the coming days to provide emotional support and help our school community process this tragedy.
"During this incredibly difficult time, we ask that our community keep the Poff and Lynn families in their thoughts and prayers and respect their privacy as they navigate this unimaginable grief. We are here for each other, and we encourage anyone who needs support to reach out to our counseling team.
“Jake and Eric will be deeply missed and forever remembered as cherished members of the Trojan family. Rest in peace.”
The two teenage boys, ages 14 and 15, were kayaking on the evening of Nov. 9 when their kayak overturned. Reports indicate William Poff entered the water in an attempt to rescue them. He also went underwater and did not resurface.
The victims were not immediately identified.
According to reports from the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office, they were notified on Sunday evening of capsized kayak in the area of the Camilla boat ramp.
Witnesses reported that two juveniles were riding a kayak when choppy river conditions caused it to overturn. The father entered the water in an attempt to rescue his son and his son’s friend but did not resurface.
Both juveniles were recovered that day, and William Poff was found Wednesday.
The San Jacinto County Game Wardens led the investigation, with assistance from the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and local first responders.
Sheriff Sam Houston called the event an unimaginable tragedy.
“Our hearts go out to this family and everyone affected,” Houston said. “We ask our community to join us in prayer for comfort and strength for the loved ones involved. I want to personally thank all of the first responders, Game Wardens, volunteers, and our partners from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office who have worked tirelessly through the night under very difficult conditions. The San Jacinto County community stands together in times of sorrow, and we will continue to support this family in the days ahead.”
