A high school principal in Tennessee drowned to his death alongside his wife in a tragic boating accident. Over the weekend, deputies found the bodies of 59-year-old Dr. Frank Maxey Petett, and his 56-year-old wife Tracy.
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The principal of Jackson County High School and his wife were relaxing last weekend in a Dale Hollow Marina houseboat before the accident. Clay County Sheriff's Office confirmed this, along with the information that their bodies were on the other side of the lake. Aside from the couple, their dog was still alive on the houseboat.
Tennessee High School Principal And Wife Drown
After discovering their bodies across from the marina, the deputies revealed they didn't suspect foul play. Despite this, the Medical Examiner is still performing the autopsies and we're awaiting their cause of death.
The drowning happened on Saturday, February 1, and since then the funeral home has left an obituary. It describes the two as people who "enjoyed spending their free time on Dale Hollow Lake," as well as time with their family.
In response to the tragedy, Jackson County School District left a heartbreaking message on
Facebook concerning the principal's passing. "Dr. Petett was more than a leader, he was a mentor, a friend and a champion for our students and staff," the online post read. "His dedication, kindness and unwavering commitment to our school will never be forgotten."The message also noted how much this loss will "weigh heavily on our hearts." The staff mentioned their commitment to supporting their "students, staff, and families during this difficult time," and noted that counselors would be readily available. "Our hearts are heavy with grief as we process this tremendous loss."
You can tell just how much of an impact Dr. Petett had on his students after reading all the touching comments on the post. One person described him as "one of the best mentors" at the school who would be "greatly missed by everyone."
Another commenter wrote that Dr. Petett was "so sweet and so kind" to his students. Another recalled how common it was "to see him talking and laughing with students during class changes."
The couple are survived by their five children; Parker, Spencer, Hunter, Brooks, and Braden. They have also left behind three grandchildren, three siblings, and several nieces and nephews.
