Mississippi deputy ‘dies a hero’ trying to save his son from rough waters in Florida
A Mississippi community is mourning a local deputy who rushed to save his son from drowning during a family trip to Florida but never made it back to shore.
Authorities say DeSoto County Deputy William Nichols died a hero Wednesday after saving his son from a rip current in Destin.
Nichols, who headed the department’s Search and Rescue Unit, managed to save the child’s life before being pulled back out to sea by strong currents, according to the sheriff’s office. He was 33 years old.
“Our county lost a hero today,” DeSoto County Emergency Services said in a Facebook post announcing Nichols’ passing. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, team, and our brothers and sisters in blue at DCSO. Thank you for your service to our community.”
Nichols’ body was recovered by Walton County Fire Rescue, the sheriff’s department said in a statement. Officials are now working on a plan to return his body and his family to Mississippi.
The deputy is now being remembered as the “embodiment of a true hero.”
“Words to describe Director Nichols would be humble, passionate, kind, and he always put others before himself,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement.
Nichols is survived by his wife and two children, ages 10 and 18.