NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The body of 34-year-old Harold Tomlinson was recovered at 8:00 a.m. near the dam from Percy Priest Lake, according to police. He drowned while trying to save a child.
Crews with the Nashville Fire Department responded to Percy Priest Lake after they received a report of a body floating in the water Sunday morning. Officials arrived on the scene in the 3800 block of Bell Road around 8:30 a.m.
The Medical Examiner worked alongside police for further identification and investigation into the incident.
Police say Tomlinson drowned at 5:30 p.m. Saturday night. He went into the water from a rented pontoon boat, trying to keep his friend's daughter from drifting away. He successfully saved her, but then he began to struggle.
Police later found him drowned Sunday morning. We do not yet know the name of the child who he saved.
This is a beautiful story of chosen family, proving a father figure doesn't have to have biology in common to make a difference in a child's life. The story of De'Andre and Alex will remind you that our relationships help determine the course of our lives. And that being supportive of someone - through a meal, a shared experience or even swim lessons can make all the difference.
- Rebecca Schleicher
