Twenty-Year-Old Perishes in Buffalo River Drowning

At approximately 3:30pm on August 1, 2026, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office responded to a possible drowning incident on the Buffalo River. Wayne County EMA, TWRA, and the Lawrenceburg Fire Department Dive Team assisted in recovering the body of a 20-year-old male from the Buffalo River.

The individual has been identified as Mekhius Williams of Columbia, TN. Williams, along with other family and friends, had kayaking and swimming in the Buffalo River up until the incident took place. Williams was reportedly attempting to cross the river when rapid waters overtook him, and he disappeared in the water.

The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office has requested an autopsy to determine the cause of death, though no foul play is suspected.

Please keep the family of the victim and first responders in your thoughts and prayers as they process this tragedy.