Jackson County, AL-A Tennessee man drowned Tuesday night while trying to save his girlfriends life.
Jackson County Sheriff Chuck Phillips says the incident happened around 6:30 PM at the ferry boat area in Bridgeport. "Just a tragic accident, she went in and was able to get out of the car and swam to the bank. And he jumped in the water and actually swam towards her and went down and never came back up" Phillips said.
Investigators say 26-year-old Christopher Heaton dove into the Tennessee River trying to rescue his girlfriend. Late Wednesday afternoon divers and other emergency crews were able to pull the womans submerged vehicle out of the river. Police say the woman parked too close to the river and her car rolled into the water. She was able to swim to the shore, but Heaton died attempting to swim to her.
Melissa Dalton lives near where the drowning happened says it’s a tragedy. "I feel sorry for her and them. He shouldn't have lost his life like he did and I feel sorry for their families" Dalton said.
Sheriff Phillips says many people use the river access for recreation. Heaton and his girlfriend were in Jackson County visiting friends.
