Mississippi deputy dies after rescuing teenage son at Florida beach, authorities say

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A Mississippi sheriff’s deputy died after rescuing his teenage son at a Florida beach, authorities said.

According to the Destin Log, Desoto County, Mississippi, sheriff's Deputy William K. Nichols died Wednesday after he saved the boy, who had been in distress in the water off Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Walton County, Florida.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, the Walton County Sheriff's Office said Nichols, 33, "was pulled back out into the water" after rescuing the teen, who "was able to make it back to shore."

Rescuers eventually pulled Nichols from the water and performed CPR, according to the post. He died at a nearby hospital.

"His last act of service was rescuing his own son," the Sheriff's Office said of Nichols. "We have no words to express our devastation. Our hearts go out to his family and our brothers and sisters in Desoto County."

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