Damond E. Driggers, 48, of Millry, Alabama, passed away following a tragic boating accident on the Tombigbee River in Sumter County on June 14, 2026.
Damond E. Driggers, age 48, of Millry, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly after an accidental fall overboard while operating a boat on the Tombigbee River near Gainesville in Sumter County.
Born and raised in Alabama, Damond was known by family and friends as a hardworking, quiet, and dependable man who valued time spent outdoors and on the water. He enjoyed boating and being near Alabama’s rivers and natural surroundings, where he often found peace and solitude.
On the early morning of Sunday, June 14, 2026, Damond was operating a 17-foot Aluminum Excel duck boat when he went overboard and entered the water. Despite immediate emergency response and an extensive multi-agency search effort involving the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Marine Patrol and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), he did not resurface.
Search and recovery operations continued through the following day before crews located him in the Tombigbee River near the area where he was last seen.
Authorities reported that Damond was not wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the incident. Officials have continued to emphasize boating safety in the wake of the tragedy, urging all operators to consistently use life jackets and safety cutoff devices.
Damond’s passing has deeply saddened his family, friends, and community members in Millry and surrounding areas. Those who knew him remember him for his calm nature, strong work ethic, and the quiet presence he brought to those around him.
He is survived by his loving family members, who now mourn his sudden and heartbreaking loss. The family asks for privacy during this difficult time as they grieve and make arrangements.
Funeral and memorial service arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.
Damond E. Driggers will be remembered with love and respect by all who knew him, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.
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