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A 59-year-old man who drowned over the weekend in a south Alabama river died a hero, according to his grieving daughter.
Both died on the scene.
“My father may not have succeeded in saving (Falvo) but he sacrificed his life for someone he loved like his own,” said daughter, 33-year-old Amanda Rubright.
“I am so proud of him and the courage he showed.”
Amanda Rubright has started a GoFundMe to help with her father’s burial.
“I’m utterly distraught,” Rubright said.
Rubright had already endured the death of her mother.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have to bury both my parents at 33 years old.”
She said she and her father had previously lost touch but had recently reconnected.
“That brought a light back into my life that I hadn’t felt in a long time,” she said.
“We talked about future plans, including my wedding, and he was so excited to see me walk down the aisle one day.”
Coffee County 911 received a call shortly after 1:30 p.m. Sunday reporting a possible drowning involving two missing people at the bridge at the intersection of Alabama Highway 87 and Alabama Highway 84 near Elba.
First responders arrived and learned that two men had gone under water in the Pea River and did not resurface.
According to the Coffee County Coroner’s Office, Falvo disappeared under the water while trying to cross the river.
Rubright then went into the river to try to rescue him and also went under.
Both men were from Elba.
Rubright’s body was recovered about 5 p.m. Falvo’s body was recovered at 6:15 p.m.
Multiple agencies assisted in the search including the Elba Fire Department, New Brockton Fire Department, Enterprise Rescue, Enterprise Air 1 and Air 2, Coffee County EMA, Bullock Fire Department, Opp Fire Department Dive Team, Houston County Dive Team, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Patrol/Game Wardens, and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office.
“On behalf of the Coffee County Coroner’s Office, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Falvo and Rubright families,” coroner’s officials said. “We ask everyone to please keep these families, their friends, and all of the first responders involved in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Amanda Rubright, who lives out of state, said funds raised will be used to help cover the cost of cremation and small memorial to be held in Alabama.
“Your kindness,” she said, “will help me give my father the farewell he deserves and bring our family together in this difficult time.”
Donations can be made here.
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