Damond E. Driggers, 48, Found Dead After Boating Accident on Tombigbee River Near Gainesville, AL

SUMTER COUNTY, Ala. — UPDATE: The body of a missing boater was recovered Monday morning from the Tombigbee River in Sumter County, officials said.
Damond E. Driggers, 48, of Millry in Washington County, was operating a 17-foot Aluminum Excel duck boat at 12 a.m. Sunday when he went overboard, fell into the water, and never resurfaced.
A multi-agency search was launched immediately, involving the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Marine Patrol Division, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville Fire and Rescue, and local volunteers.
Driggers was recovered about 8:15 a.m. Monday from the Tombigbee River near Gainesville, close to the same location where he initially fell into the water. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said Driggers was alone in the boat at the time of the incident. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division. Officials have not confirmed whether Driggers was wearing a life jacket.
Friends described Driggers as an avid outdoorsman who knew the river well. “Damond loved being on the water,” a family friend said. “He was a good man, and our community in Millry is hurting.”
The Sumter County Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause of death.
Alabama Marine Patrol reminds boaters to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, file a float plan, and use caution when operating vessels at night.
Information regarding services for Damond E. Driggers will be shared by his family when available.