COFFEE COUNTY, Ala. — A young man tragically lost his life while fishing in Coffee County on Thursday afternoon. Authorities have identified the victim as 21-year-old Byron Ja’Kee Burks.
According to Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, Burks and another individual were fishing in a pond located in the 19000 block of Highway 84 in New Brockton when their boat capsized around 5:00 p.m. Sheriff Byrd reported that Burks drowned during the incident, while the other man was found clinging to the overturned vessel.
First responders quickly sprang into action, with two firefighters braving the freezing waters to rescue the survivor. They successfully brought him to shore, where he was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The cold conditions posed significant challenges for the rescuers, and as they made their way back to safety, two additional firefighters from New Brockton entered the water. They formed a human chain, helping to pull the initial rescuers to safety.
As the rescue operation continued, the body of Byron Ja’Kee Burks was recovered after 8:00 p.m. by dive teams that were deployed to the scene. Tragically, two of the firefighters who entered the water to assist in the rescue were transported to a local hospital for treatment of hypothermia.
The Coffee County community has been left reeling from the heartbreaking loss, and local authorities continue to express their gratitude for the quick and courageous actions of the first responders involved. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of water-based activities and the dangers posed by cold temperatures.
Burks’ family and friends are in mourning following his untimely death, and authorities have offered condolences during this difficult time.
