Ex-Atlanta Firefighter Dies Saving Child In Water At Tallulah Gorge

HABERSHAM COUNTY, GA -- A former Atlanta firefighter died Sunday during a swimming accident at the Sliding Rock trail at Tallulah Gorge State Park, Patch has learned. Tavaris Slade, 38, of Jonesboro jumped in the water to save a child who was struggling, according to news reports.

Rescuers pulled Slade from the water and revived him, but he succumbed, Georgia Department of Natural Resources spokesman told local media. (SIGN UP: For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. Or if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

Slade, an Army veteran, was the father of a young son, according to the Atlanta Fire Fighter Facebook page.

"He was a loving and devoted father to a young son," the page reads. "He demonstrated his love of life by being a successful health and fitness instructor. A true professional; he will be missed in our stations and on the rig."

Two years ago, he was injured on the job, a GoFundMe set up in his behalf says. He suffered critical medical injuries after the fire engine he was riding in hit a tree while responding to an emergency call.

Image via GoFundMe