Newscow.net report — On June 29, 2023, at 12:26 a.m., officers with the Winfield Police Department were dispatched to check the welfare of a male subject who was in the water at Tunnel Mill Dam. Officers were told the male was possibly experiencing a mental health crisis.

Officers located a male in the water, yelling for help and acting erratically. Officers attempted to guide the male back to shore; however, the male swam farther away. Officers contacted Winfield Fire/EMS for assistance at this time.

Officers followed the male along the shore to monitor his well-being and position. While waiting, the male subject went under the water and did not resurface. Officers immediately entered the water and began searching for the subject.

Winfield Fire/EMS arrived on the scene and assisted in the search. Rescue crews were able to locate the victim and remove him from the river. Resuscitation efforts were performed, and the patient was transported to William Newton Hospital, pronounced deceased.

The male has been identified as Sonesiri Phengsengkham, 42, of Winfield. The Winfield Police Department was also assisted by the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office and Winfield Fire and EMS.

No further information will be provided about this incident.