COWLEY COUNTY - A Kansas man drowned in the Walnut River, Tunnell Mill Dam early Thursday, according to the Winfield
Just before 12:30 a.m., police were dispatched to check on a man in the water at Tunnel Mill Dam, West Tunnel Mill Road in the southwest portion of Winfield, according to a media release.
First responders learned the man later identified as 42-year-old Sonesiri Phengsengkham of Winfield was possibly experiencing a mental health crisis.
Officers found him in the water yelling for help and acting erratically. They attempted to guide him back to shore, but they said he swam farther away. Winfield Fire/EMS responded to assist and followed the man along the shore to monitor his well-being and position.
While waiting for more help to arrive, Phengsengkham went under the water and did not resurface, according to the release.
First responders jumped into the water and began searching for Phengsengkham. Rescue crews found him and removed him from the river. Resuscitation efforts were performed, and he was transported to William Newton Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.