Man drowns after seeing girlfriend’s car in river

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Updated: February 9, 2012 8:46AM

Authorities in northeastern Alabama say a man dove into the Tennessee River after seeing his girlfriend’s car sinking and drowned in the fast-moving water. But authorities say he may not have realized the girlfriend had already escaped from the car and was helped to shore by a fisherman.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports 25-year-old Christopher Heaton of Jasper, Tenn., died after the Tuesday evening rescue attempt near Bridgeport, Ala.

Police say he had driven to the spot where they were to meet near a boat ramp, when he saw her car sinking and immediately dove into the water.

Jackson County Chief Deputy Rocky Harnen says the woman, whose name wasn’t released, was taken to a hospital in Scottsboro, Ala., where she was treated for bruises and hypothermia.