MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man is now dead after attempting to save a child from drowning in Lauderdale County on Friday.
According to the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the area of Porters Gap in Halls, Tennessee, regarding a possible drowning.
Deputies say it started when a group of people went into the backwater on foot, unaware of the strong current. That is when they say one of the children got overtaken by the current.
A man nearby tried to remove the child from the backwater. However, deputies say the man was also overtaken by the waters.
The Lauderdale County EMS arrived on the scene and began life-saving measures on the man. He was taken to the Lauderdale County Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The man was identified by deputies as 46-year-old Bryan McFeely Jr. of Georgia.
The other adults and children were removed from the waters and taken to a safe place for medical attention.
“Our hearts go out to the families involved in this tragic incident. We understand this is a difficult time and pray that you find comfort and strength as you move through the grieving process. We cannot emphasize enough how crucial it is to be vigilant and stay away from flooding areas. Your safety is our priority,” said Sheriff Brian Kelley, with Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office.