Chet Williams, the pastor of the Auburn Tigers football program, has died after drowning in an Alabama lake. He was found Sunday after falling into the water while trying to board a boat, and his body was recovered.
Williams said he took his boat out to a restaurant on the shores of Lake Martin, but when he tried to get back on the boat Sunday night, it fell into the water. WSFA-TV.
The pastor was visiting a portion of the lake in Elmore County, located in Auburn, Alabama, about 45 minutes from Auburn University. (Related: Ohio politician decides to intervene in football after brawl at rival game, threatens extradition)
The 61-year-old's body was recovered Sunday around 7:20 p.m.
From 1984 to 1986, Williams played linebacker for the Tigers and graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in adult education. He received his Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1993.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rev. Chet Williams, former Auburn football player and longtime team chaplain. He had a profound impact on countless people during his 26 years with our program. Brother Chet will be greatly missed 🙏
📰 https://t.co/3LpZemwvr5 pic.twitter.com/udU574xIbt
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 16, 2024
Prior to becoming pastor of New Covenant Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mr. Williams served as co-pastor of New Song Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama from 1991 to 1993.
He eventually became Auburn's team chaplain in 1999, joining then-head coach Tommy Tuberville's staff. That same year, he was also named campus director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and FCA's state director for urban ministries.
According to the survey, reportedly released The Alabama Department of Law Enforcement's Maritime Division investigated Williams' death.
