Longtime Auburn University Football Chaplain Dies After Misstepping on Boat and Falling in Lake

Mar. 15, 2025

Chette Williams.Photo:Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

The longtime football chaplain for Auburn University died tragically over the weekend after falling into a local lake.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) confirmed that Chette Williams, 61, died on Sunday, Dec. 15, after an accidental fall into Lake Martin near the dock at Kowaliga’s Restaurant while with a friend,AL.comreported.

Williams was attempting to leave the restaurant after realizing that it was closed, and while stepping onto his pontoon boat, he fell into the water, the outlet reported. His fall occurred around 5:45 p.m local time and his body was recovered at 7:19 p.m., where he was then pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

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Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin confirmed that Williams’ friend jumped into the water in an attempt to save him, but was unfortunately unsuccessful in their efforts, according to the outlet.

Representatives from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Local NBC affiliateWSFA 12reported that Williams’ body has been transferred to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for autopsy.

Before becoming the university chaplain, Williams was a linebacker for the Auburn University football team from 1982-84, helping “the Tigers win three bowl games, including the 1984 Sugar Bowl to cap the 1983 SEC championship season,” according to the university.

source: people.com