Some tragedies are almost too heartbreakingly cruel for words. This seems like one of those. Police Officer Fred Marsh of the Rogers, Arkansas, Police Department lost his life on Saturday, July 18, per the New York Post. He was desperately trying to help his brand new fiancee, Hailey Lummus. She, Marsh, and their friends were canoeing on the Elk River in Missouri. Hailey went in the water but the current proved to be too forceful for her and she was flailing. Marsh and another police officer from Rogers quickly jumped in to save Hailey.
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They did so, but Marsh went under himself and did not came back up. He was only 24 years old. Making the situation even worse is the fact that Marsh had proposed to Hailey on that very same day.
"He Will Forever Be My Son"
Many people are grief-stricken at the loss of this brave young man. His fiancee's mother, Sheryl Padgett, is clearly among them. He had a special place in her heart. She sadly told 40/29 News, "[Marsh and Hailey] had been together for three beautiful years, and they had a very beautiful, loving relationship. Even though legally he was not my son-in-law, he will forever be my son."
Padgett added, "He saw the love of his life in distress, and he was going to help his friend and do what a good human would do. He gave his life helping someone else."
Marsh Always Thought of Others
Marsh was genuinely selfless. Padgett explained, "There's nothing he wouldn't do for anyone. You didn't have to tell him. You didn't have to beg him. He just was willing and would jump in there and do whatever it took to help someone." Furthermore, she mentioned, "We instantly made a connection and a bond. I called him son, and he called me mama."
Sheryl Padgett articulated an emotional wish. "Let's do something in Fred's honor. Be kind to your fellow man. When Fred loved, he loved with everything he had, and he loved well."
A GoFundMe Has Been Established for Hailey
Hailey's sister, Kourtlin Ricketts, set up a GoFundMe for her sister. It has raised $6,768 towards a $10,000 goal. The essay states in part, "Due to this sudden loss, it has left Hailey in overwhelming need. With a new lease, bills, and more unforseen expenses, it is now left all on her shoulders."
