Arkansas police officer drowns saving fiancée after proposing

Fred Marsh, 24, a police officer with the Rogers Police Department, drowned Sunday while attempting to rescue his fiancée from the Elk River near Noel, Missouri, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Marsh entered the river Saturday afternoon to help another swimmer, identified by her mother as his fiancée, Hailey. She was struggling against the current while trying to return to their canoe, which was nearby with another couple, her mother, Sheryl Padgett, told KHBS.

Padgett said Marsh was able to help her daughter to safety but became distressed and exhausted in the process. He went underwater and did not resurface, the patrol said. Marsh was recovered Sunday and pronounced dead.

Padgett described Marsh as loving, hardworking and guided by his Christian faith. She said he was quick to help others and that he and her daughter had been together for three years. Marsh proposed to Hailey on Saturday morning, and they had planned to marry soon.

Padgett, who lost her only son four years ago, said she and Marsh formed a close bond after he started dating her daughter, calling him her son and referring to herself as his mom. A motorcade honoring Marsh traveled through Northwest Arkansas on Monday, drawing community members lining the route.

Marsh was in his first year with the Rogers Police Department, having graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in April. A GoFundMe set up by Hailey’s sister has raised nearly $2,000 to help cover her expenses. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Marsh’s family, with many expected to attend. Padgett urged others to honor Marsh by showing kindness to others, emphasizing his loving nature.

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