Rodeo star, 24, dies duck hunting when waders fill with water, weigh him down

An Oklahoma graduate student and rodeo star was killed in a duck hunting accident over the weekend, authorities confirmed.

Jackson Williams, 24, died Sunday morning when he went to retrieve a duck in Sooner Lake and hit a drop-off, causing his waders to fill with water and weigh him down, the Oklahoma Game Wardens announced.

Authorities later used side imaging to retrieve Williams’ body from the lake floor, KOCO reported.

“[Waders are] hard to get in and out of, even on dry land, and in a panic, in cold water, it can be really tough,” Capt. Ben Bickerstaff of the Oklahoma Game Wardens told the outlet.

“Our hearts go out to the family and the friends and loved ones of this young man. We want to make sure everyone knows that our hearts and prayers are with them,” he added.

Williams was a graduate student at Oklahoma State University’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, KOCO reported, citing university officials.

Oklahoma State University did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for a comment.

Before attending OSU, Williams – who was originally from Arkansas – had an accomplished run in rodeos, including a stint under coach Jeff Collins at Panola College, his obituary read.