First responders identify man found dead in Lake Cherokee on Saturday
Published 5:55 pm Monday, June 1, 2026
UPDATE: Monday, June 1
The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man whose body was found in Lake Cherokee Saturday as Kenton Brandon, 70, of Gladewater.
Original story: Sunday, May 31
East Texas firefighters recovered the body of an elderly person this weekend from Lake Cherokee.
The Elderville-Lakeport Fire Department was dispatched to the south side of Lake Cherokee at 3:45 p.m. Saturday regarding an elderly person who had been reported missing. Firefighters determined that the person might have entered the lake, officials said.
The Longview Fire Department’s water rescue team, Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, Texas game wardens, Lake Cherokee Lake Patrol and Christus EMS also took part in search efforts.
Email newsletter signup
Longview firefighters conducted underwater search operations, and divers located and recovered the deceased person, officials said.
The identity of the person has not been released, officials said. The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is expected to release the person’s identity following notification of next-of-kin.
“The Elderville-Lakeport Fire Department extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss,” officials said.