FORT WORTH Two moms who had their sons die at Possum Kingdom Lake are questioning plans to hold a high-profile diving competition at the recreation spot early next month.
The Cliff Diving World Series 2014 will stage the second event of a worldwide tour at the Texas lake on June 6-8. The event is sponsored by Red Bull.
But Mona Logan, whose son Jacob died after jumping from a cliff there in 2012, worries about the example the competition sets.
'What is the audience they're playing to? It is these kids who have no fear. When Red Bull leaves, they'll go do same thing,' Logan said.
Dana Gage has the same concerns. Her son Connor drowned in the lake just six weeks before Jacob did in 2012.
'I was honestly stunned, then somewhat outraged,' she told News 8 on Tuesday.
Neither child was wearing a life jacket when they died.
Divers in the Red Bull competition won't be wearing them either, as they are diving from near 90 feet at Hell's Gate, a popular cove at Possum Kingdom.
The sponsor stresses this event is only for the top professional divers in the world. They are coordinating with the Brazos River Authority to ensure a safe event for competitors and onlookers, according to a Red Bull spokeswoman.
A number of area residents who spoke to News 8 on Tuesday were also very supportive of the event, saying it can help provide a tourist bump to an area that has been hit hard by drought and wildfires.
'We're having to tell everyone we're full,' said Felecia Ongley, manager at the Bluff Creek Marina.
Up to 10,000 people could turn out for the event.
E-mail tunger@wfaa.com
