An officer with the Rogers Police Department, Arkansas, drowned while rescuing his fiancée in the Elk River, Missouri, just hours after proposing to her.

The victim was identified as Fred Marsh, 24, who disappeared on Saturday after entering the water to help a bather in difficulty. His body was recovered Sunday, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The mother of Marsh's fiancee, Sheryl Padgett, confirmed that the person who was swept away by the current was her daughter, Hailey, with whom the officer had been in a relationship for three years.

"They had been together for three beautiful years and had a loving relationship. Even though he was not legally my son-in-law, he will always be my son," Padgett told KHBS television.

The officer managed to get his fiancee to safety before disappearing

According to Padgett's account, the two couples were out on a canoe trip near Noel, Missouri, when Hailey entered the river and began having difficulty returning to the boat due to the strength of the current.

Marsh and another officer from the Rogers Police Department, who was also participating in the excursion, jumped into the water to help her.

Both managed to take the young woman to a safe place. However, Marsh began to show signs of exhaustion, became distressed in the water and disappeared below the surface, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported.

"He saw the love of his life in danger and he also wanted to help his friend. He did what any good person would do," Padgett said. “He gave his life helping another person.”

An officer who was just beginning his career

Marsh was in his first year as a member of the Rogers Police Department. He graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in April and had recently begun serving as an officer.

His future mother-in-law described him as a hard-working young man, guided by his Christian faith and always willing to help others.

"There was nothing he wouldn't do for anyone. He didn't have to be asked. He was just willing to do whatever it took to help," he said.

Padgett also recalled that he lost his only son in a fatal accident four years ago and that, since Marsh began his relationship with Hailey, he considered him part of his family.

"From the first moment we created a bond. I called him son and he called me mom," he said.

Community and colleagues paid tribute to the young agent

On Monday, a funeral motorcade accompanied the transport of Marsh's body through northwest Arkansas, where numerous citizens and members of law enforcement gathered along the route to pay tribute to him.

Padgett noted that the support received from the community and authorities reflected the impact that the young officer left on those who knew him.

“They made it clear to us that Fred was not only part of their family, but so were we,” he said.

Meanwhile, family and friends organized a GoFundMe campaign to help Hailey cover expenses such as rent, bills and other needs resulting from the tragedy.

The funeral will be organized by Marsh's family and police officers, former classmates, childhood friends and people from different parts of Arkansas are expected to attend.

Before concluding the interview, Padgett asked that the young officer's legacy be translated into everyday actions.

"Let's do something in honor of Fred. Let's be kind to each other. When Fred loved, he did it with all his heart."

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