‘Passionate' and 'Genuine' Student, 24, Dies in 'Unfortunate' Duck-Hunting Incident

Oklahoma State University identified the victim as Jackson Williams, a former member of the school's rodeo team

Authorities said a 24-year-old man died Sunday while duck hunting at an Oklahoma lake in what they described as an “unfortunate incident.”

Oklahoma Game Wardens said in a Facebook post that the victim, identified as Jackson Williams by Oklahoma State University's Ferguson College of Agriculture in a statement to PEOPLE, was retrieving a duck on Sooner Lake when he hit a drop-off.

“Water overcame his waders and he did not return to the surface,” Oklahoma Game Wardens said of Williams.

Oklahoma Game Wardens staff found Williams on the lake floor via side imaging and assisted the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s Lake Patrol in the recovery of his body, authorities added.

Related: Dad Likely Popped Hatch as Car Sank into Mich. Lake, Saving His 2 Young Girls Before He Died: Cops

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to this young man’s friends and family,” Oklahoma Game Wardens said. “The hunting community is small and close knit, he will be missed.”

Williams was a graduate student at the school’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, the university said, noting that they were "deeply saddened by the sudden passing."

PEOPLE reached out to Oklahoma Game Wardens for comment on Wednesday.

"In addition to being a student, Jackson served as the OSU Extension Agriculture and 4-H Educator in Logan County," the university said in its statement. "He was a genuine and respectable young man, passionate about being a soil scientist and loved rodeo and helping others. Our hearts go out to Jackson’s parents and family, friends, co-workers, the 4-H’ers and producers he advised and his former OSU Rodeo team members."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

According to his obituary, Williams was born in Conway, Arkansas, adding that he took part in rodeoing while in the ninth grade.

Related: Body of Missing Kayaker Recovered in Texas Lake 4 Days After Her Disappearance

"After graduation he attended Panola College, in Carthage, Texas,” the obituary said, “there he met his great mentor, Jeff Collins. He received his associate degree in Agronomy, this was his first year competing in the Ote Berry Junior World Championship, in Las Vegas, Nevada where he finished in the top twenty.”

Williams later transferred to the University of Arkansas of Monticello and finished his four-year degree in crop and field science, per the obituary. He then attended Oklahoma State University and earned his master's degree in crop and field science.

“Jackson loved rodeoing, duck hunting, and turkey hunting,” the tribute continued.

Related: 4 Bodies Recently Found in Downtown Austin Lake, But Police Say There's No Evidence of Foul Play

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jackson Williams, who was a former member of the OSU Rodeo Team," the OKState Rodeo Team said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). "His positive attitude and outlook on life were contagious, both in and out of the arena. Jackson will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected."

Williams is survived by his parents, siblings and grandmothers. His funeral will be held on Monday at the Church of Nazarene in Greenbrier, Arkansas, according to the obituary.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.