NOEL, MO. (THECOUNT) — Officer Fred Marsh, 24, of Rogers, Arkansas, died Saturday after entering the Elk River to rescue his fiancée, Hailey Lummus, while the couple was canoeing with friends near Noel, Missouri, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Rogers Police Department. Marsh had proposed to Lummus just hours before the tragedy.
Noel is located in McDonald County in southwestern Missouri, near the Arkansas border and the Northwest Arkansas metropolitan area. The Elk River is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking and floating, attracting thousands of visitors each year from Missouri, Arkansas and surrounding states.
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According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident occurred on the Elk River near Easy Street. Investigators said Marsh entered the water after someone in the group began experiencing difficulty. Authorities reported that he became caught in the current while attempting the rescue and disappeared beneath the water. He was recovered and pronounced deceased at 10:08 a.m. Sunday.
Family members told ABC affiliate KHBS that Lummus entered the river while attempting to get back to a kayak and began struggling in the water. One of Marsh’s fellow Rogers police officers, who had joined the outing with his wife, initially went to assist. Marsh also entered the river after realizing his fiancée was in distress.
According to the family, Lummus was successfully pushed toward a nearby canoe, but Marsh became trapped in the swift current. Members of the group, along with other people on the river, attempted to rescue him before he disappeared underwater and did not resurface.
Rogers Police Chief Jonathan Best announced Marsh’s death Sunday, praising the young officer’s willingness to serve others and his enthusiasm for his profession. Best said Marsh’s commitment to helping people reflected the values of the Rogers Police Department and the selfless character he displayed both on and off duty.
Speaking to KHBS, Sheryl Padgett, Lummus’ mother, said the couple had shared a loving relationship for three years before becoming engaged earlier that day. She said Marsh immediately became part of their family and remained so despite the tragedy.
“Even though legally he was not my son-in-law, he will forever be my son,” Padgett told the television station. She said she had previously lost her only son in an accident and that Marsh helped fill that void, adding that the two developed an immediate bond and affectionately referred to one another as mother and son.
On Monday, a law enforcement motorcade escorted Marsh’s body through Northwest Arkansas as family members, fellow officers and community residents lined portions of the route to honor the fallen officer. The Rogers Police Department shared images of the procession and thanked those who gathered to pay their respects.
Marsh’s cousin, Chris Frye, described him as a hero who gave his life trying to save someone else, saying his final act reflected the same selflessness that led him into law enforcement. Rogers Police Corporal Don Lisi also remembered Marsh as someone who made a lasting impression during his first year with the department despite his short tenure.
Lummus’ sister, Kourtlin Ricketts, established a GoFundMe fundraiser to help the family with expenses following Marsh’s death. In the fundraiser, she described him as an upstanding young man whose roles as a son, fiancé, police officer, brother and friend touched countless lives.
Via GoFundMe:
My name is Kourtlin Ricketts and I am reaching out on behalf of my sister, Hailey. As most of you know, we are mourning the unexpected loss of Hailey’s fiancee, Fred Marsh.
On Saturday, July 18th, he tragically drowned while they were canoeing the Elk River. Fred was an upstanding young man- Son, Fiancée, Officer, Brother, Friend, and more to all. We are devastated and will miss him dearly.
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.
As a family, we are asking anyone who know and love Hailey & Fred, to donate to this cause. If you already helped or donated in anyway, we are so thankful. For those who are unable to monetarily donate, please continue to pray – for Hailey, Fred’s family, Hailey’s family, Rogers Police Department, and all of Fred and Hailey’s friends. We all need peace and comfort to help navigate through this truly unimaginable loss. Thank you.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal drowning. No additional information has been released.
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