Director of Desoto County Sheriffs Department Search and Rescue drowns after saving son’s life

The Desoto County Sheriffs Department Search and Rescue Director tragically lost his tonight after saving his sons.

Desoto County Sheriffs Department’s William Nichols lost his life on a family vacation moments after saving his son from drowning, according to reports.

From Desoto County emergency services:

Our county lost a hero tonight. Director William Nichols of the Desoto County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Unit passed away earlier this evening on a family vacation to Florida.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, team, and our brothers and sisters in blue at DCSO. Thank you for your service to our community.

From the Walton County Sheriffs Office, where he was at the time of the incident:

Just a short time ago WCSO responded to a water rescue near Sandestin.

A 33-year-old was pulled from the water after saving his teenage son who was in distress. The son was able to make it back to shore, but the father was pulled back out into the water.

The victim, positively identified as William K. Nichols, was eventually pulled from the water and CPR was initiated. He was transported to Sacred Heart where he was pronounced deceased.

Nichols was a deputy sheriff for DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department who served the people of Mississippi. His last act of service was rescuing his own son. We have no words to express our devastation. Our hearts go out to his family and our brothers and sisters in Desoto County.

Rest In Peace, brother. We have the watch.

We will update this story as more information is available.