United Cajun Navy Reflects on Texas Flood Rescue One Year After Camp Mystic

United Cajun Navy’s Incident Commander, Josh Gill, along with meteorologist Amy Metz, shared their personal experiences during a perilous flood rescue in Texas that resulted in two fatalities. They noted an increase in preparedness compared to the devastating Camp Mystic flood last year, which tragically resulted in 28 deaths. With the Guadalupe River rising an alarming 32 feet in a mere four hours, they underscored the importance of remaining vigilant during such emergencies.

In another heartbreaking story, the mother of an Arkansas state trooper shared that her daughter’s fiancé drowned while trying to save her after he proposed earlier that day. Fred Marsh, 24, a police officer from Rogers, had entered Missouri’s Elk River to assist a struggling swimmer but unfortunately did not resurface, as reported by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. His fiancée, Hayley, confirmed this tragic loss.

“They had three amazing years together, full of love,” Sheryl Padgett, Marsh’s future mother-in-law, told local news. “Though he wasn’t legally my son-in-law, he will forever hold that place in my heart.”

Dating for three years, the couple had embarked on a canoeing trip near Noel, Missouri, with friends when Hayley fell into the river. As she struggled against the current, Fred and another police officer jumped in to help her. They managed to pull her to safety, but Fred, overwhelmed and exhausted, disappeared beneath the surface, despite the best efforts to save him.

Sheryl emphasized Fred’s bravery, stating, “He saw his love in distress and acted like any decent person would.” She described him as loving and hard-working, highlighting that he never hesitated when others needed help.

Sheryl lost her only son in a tragic accident four years ago, and she embraced Fred as her son soon after he began dating Hayley. “We formed a bond quickly,” Padgett recalled. “I called him son, and he called me mom.”

A motorcade honored Marsh as it passed through northwestern Arkansas, with local residents gathering along the roads to pay their respects. Padgett noted that the overwhelming community and law enforcement response reflected the profound impact Fred had on many.

“It was clear that Fred was part of our family, just as much as my daughter and all of us,” she shared.

Marsh had recently begun his career with the Rogers Police Department after graduating from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in April.

A GoFundMe campaign set up by Hayley’s sister to assist with various expenses has raised about $2,000 as of Thursday morning. The fundraiser described Fred as a beloved son, fiancé, officer, brother, and friend, stating that he will be deeply missed.

Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by Fred’s family, with expectations that police officers, past classmates, and childhood friends from across the state will attend. “Let’s honor Fred,” Padgett said. “Show kindness to others. Fred loved wholeheartedly and genuinely.”