BATESVILLE, Ark. – The Independence County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man who drowned while trying to save his son in the White River as Eric Edwards, 47, of Jacksonville, who died shortly before 9 p.m., Friday, July 14.
According to the Batesville Police Department, Edwards’ son fell into the river earlier in the afternoon, and Edwards went in after him but never resurfaced.
Officers said Edwards was found nearly an hour later. Another man was able to grab ahold of the child and pull him to shore.
Vital Link EMS, BPD, Independence County Sheriff, and Batesville Fire Department all responded in the search for Edwards.
Batesville police said Edwards and the child were both taken to White River Medical Center.
