SUMTER COUNTY, Ala. — The search for a missing boater on the Tombigbee River came to a heartbreaking end Monday morning when authorities recovered the body of 48-year-old Damond E. Driggers of Millry, Alabama, near the location where he disappeared after falling overboard during the early morning hours of June 14.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Driggers was operating a 17-foot Aluminum Excel duck boat on the Tombigbee River near Gainesville in Sumter County at approximately 12:00 a.m. Sunday when the tragic incident occurred.
Investigators said Driggers went overboard and entered the water, but never resurfaced. Emergency personnel were quickly notified, prompting an extensive search and recovery operation involving multiple agencies.
Officials from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division responded to the scene and immediately began searching the river. Crews spent much of Sunday combing the waterway and surrounding shoreline in hopes of locating Driggers.
As daylight faded Sunday evening, search efforts were temporarily suspended due to darkness and safety concerns. Authorities announced that operations would resume Monday morning.
At approximately 8:15 a.m. Monday, search crews recovered Driggers’ body from the Tombigbee River near Gainesville, close to the same area where he initially went into the water. The discovery brought a somber conclusion to an intensive search effort that spanned more than a day.
Preliminary findings from investigators revealed that Driggers was not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD), commonly known as a life jacket, at the time of the incident. Authorities also reported that he was not utilizing the vessel’s emergency engine cutoff switch, a critical safety feature designed to stop a boat’s engine if the operator is unexpectedly ejected from the vessel.
Marine safety officials routinely stress the importance of both safety measures, noting that life jackets and emergency cutoff switches can significantly reduce the risk of fatal boating accidents.
The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers that can arise on Alabama’s waterways, even for experienced boaters. According to officials, Driggers was the second boater reported missing in Alabama during the weekend, underscoring the importance of exercising caution while operating watercraft.
Throughout the search operation, emergency responders worked tirelessly in challenging conditions as family members and members of the community awaited news. The recovery effort involved coordinated searches of the river and nearby areas as crews sought to locate Driggers as quickly as possible.
Friends, relatives, and residents throughout Washington County and surrounding communities have expressed sorrow following news of the recovery. Many have shared condolences and prayers for Driggers’ family as they cope with the devastating loss.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. ALEA Marine Patrol Troopers are leading the investigation and have not released additional details at this time.
As the community mourns the loss of Damond E. Driggers, officials hope the tragedy will encourage all boaters to prioritize safety by wearing life jackets, ensuring emergency equipment is functioning properly, and following recommended boating practices whenever they are on the water.
Further information is expected to be released as the investigation continues.
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