Officer Eric Mumaw drowned trying to rescue a suicidal woman. (Photo: Metro Nashville PD0
A Nashville Fire Department diver on Thursday morning recovered the body of a Metro police officer who jumped in the Cumberland River to save a suicidal woman.
The officer, 44-year-old Eric Mumaw, was an 18-year veteran of the police department who had twice received awards for his heroism, according to the Metro police department. Nashville Mayor Megan Barry ordered flags to be flown at half staff at city buildings. The Korean Veterans Boulevard Bridge and the Historic Metro Courthouse will be illuminated in blue lights Thursday night in honor of the officer, the Tennessean reports.
Mumaw and Officer Nick Diamond responded to a call about a suicidal subject who was threatening to drive her car into the river from a boat ramp.
The officers thought they had convinced her to step out of the car and come with them. The driver’s door opened and the car went out of park and into the water. The officers then raced into water trying to save Glisson, but didn’t realize the edge of the submerged boat ramp abruptly ended. The officers lost their balance and fell into the water, Metro police spokesman Don Aaron said. Glisson remained in the driver’s seat.
The motion of the vehicle going into the water swept the officers further out into the river. Diamond tried to grab hold of Mumaw, but he slipped from his grasp, Aaron said. Diamond was able to swim to the river bank. So was Glisson.
