Man dies in Buffalo River; mother talks about son’s legacy
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TRENTON, Tenn. — A mother mourned her son’s death Sunday afternoon, which marked the second West Tennessee drowning in just a week. Katrinka Nance said her 19-year-old son William Harris went to the Buffalo River Saturday afternoon as a fun outing with friends. Friends said they saw Harris try to get help, but when they tried to rescue him they couldn’t see through the water. His body was discovered four hours later, according to deputies. “He said ‘bye, I love you and I’ll see you later,'” said Nance, recalling her son’s last words to her. She said medical examiners informed her that Harris possibly had a leg or stomach cramp that stopped him mid-swim. Nance said her son graduated from Peabody High School, was an avid football player and was going to surprise her with news that he was joining the National Guard in the fall. “He was waiting to tell me that he did pass the test,” Nance said. His cousin Tanay Milan said although his passing broke her heart, she’s still trying to be optimistic. “It could’ve been worse. It could’ve been bad. He was loved,” Milan said. According to the National Red Cross website, when out swimming or enjoying the beach, follow these safety tips: – Don’t swim alone. – Make sure you have a life jacket or life preserver close by. – Keep visual contact with each other. The family said they are holding a memorial for Harris at 8:30 p.m. Monday at Peabody High School.
