Tennessee Police Officer Drowns While Trying to Save Suicidal Woman

A Tennessee police officer lost his life Thursday while trying to save a woman who had threatened to end hers.

Metro Nashville Police Officer Eric Mumaw apparently drowned after he fell into the Cumberland River around 4:30 a.m., police spokesman Don Aaron said at a news conference.

The police department later released a tweet confirming Mumaw’s death.

In tribute to Officer Eric Mumaw, 44, an 18-year MNPD veteran, who gave his life this morning in service to Nashville. pic.twitter.com/4MQI9DW9MZ
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) February 2, 2017

“Our worst fears were realized today when Officer Mumaw was recovered deceased from the Cumberland River after having given his life to save a woman in distress,” Nashville Mayor Megan Barry said in a statement. “Officer Mumaw dedicated his life to the safety and protection of us all, and today he gave his life to that calling.”

An 18-year veteran of the force, Mumaw and another officer were responding to call from the woman’s relatives who said she was thinking about committing suicide by driving her car into the river, Aaron said.

Click here to read more.

SOURCE: NBC News, Corky Siemaszko