William K. Nichols, 33, the director of the Search and Rescue Unit for the DeSoto County, Mississippi Sheriff’s Department, drown while attempting to save his 10-year-old son.
The family was on vacation at a beach resort at Fort Walton Beach, Florida when the accident happened on July 22.
He is a cousin to Becky McBride, who is the wife of former County Mayor Kenny McBride.
The funeral was held Sunday in Mississippi.
He was pulled from the water after rescuing his teenage son who was in distress, according to reports.
Nichols’ son was swimming when he was caught in a rip current when his father swam out and pulled him out of the water.
While in the process of rescuing his son, he was pulled back into the waters. Rescue personnel from the South Walton Fire District were able to retrieve Nichols, and began administering CPR after he was pulled from the water and onto the shore. They were unable to revive him and he was pronounced deceased at a local hospital.
