Just hours before he planned to propose, a 24-year-old police officer from Arkansas tragically drowned while attempting to rescue his girlfriend from a treacherous river.
Officer Fred Marsh, who served with the Rogers Police Department, popped the question to his girlfriend, Haley, on Saturday morning before heading out for a canoe trip on the Elk River in Missouri with friends.
“He asked my daughter to marry him early in the day before his untimely passing, making her his fiancée,” said Cheryl Padgett, Haley’s mother.
The day filled with joy turned into heartbreak when Haley got caught in the strong current of the river. Marsh, along with another officer, jumped in to save her and successfully got her to safety. However, in a tragic twist, he was swept away by the powerful waters and did not resurface.
The couple had been together for three years, building a strong connection during that time.
Ms. Padgett reflected on their relationship, mentioning a deep bond formed after experiencing loss. “I lost my only son in a fatal accident four years ago, so we clicked right away. I called him son, and he called me mom,” she shared.
On Monday, a motorcade carrying Marsh’s body was observed traveling through northwest Arkansas, with local residents paying their respects along the route.
Funeral arrangements are being made by Marsh’s family, with many police officers and childhood friends expected to attend, according to Padgett.
Marsh was in his first year working with the Rogers Police Department after graduating from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in April. He also played college baseball at Ecclesia University, where a teammate described him as a “God-fearing man” and a reliable friend.
A GoFundMe was set up by Haley’s sister to provide support during this difficult time. “Haley is facing significant challenges after this sudden loss,” the sisters explained, noting new bills and unexpected expenses are now her responsibility.
