Norman Firefighter, Cancer Survivor Dies In Wichita Mountains Rock-Climbing Incident

A Norman firefighter who in recent years survived a bout with cancer died in a rock-climbing incident at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

Emergency responders were called to the refuge Friday where two rock climbers were trapped. At the time we were told one of them suffered a medical emergency.

Levi Wilkins' wife and the Norman Fire Department took to social media Saturday, confirming his death.

"He was the most incredible husband, father, son, brother & friend," Wilkins' wife, Emily Wilkins, posted on Facebook. "Having been together since we were 16 I don't know how to do life without him and I never wanted to learn. After beating cancer he lived BIG. He believed every day was a gift, and it brings great comfort to know how happy he was doing what he loved when his time came."

The Norman Fire Department said Wilkins lived his life to the fullest and everyone who knew him, loved him.

"It's difficult to express just how hard it hit when we learned of Levi's passing yesterday," the Norman Fire Department wrote. "A few years ago, he courageously battled cancer and came out stronger on the other side. He lived life to the fullest every day and everyone who knew him, loved him."

News 9 did a story with Wilkins in 2020, after he beat cancer. To view this story, click here.