COVINGTON, Louisiana — A City of Covington employee lost his life Wednesday evening after entering Bayou Lacombe in an attempt to rescue his granddaughter who had fallen into the water, according to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the incident happened near Lake Road when the young girl went into the bayou. Family members later identified the victim as Chris Rushing, a City of Covington employee who worked in the city’s Cultural Arts Department.
Investigators said Rushing immediately entered the water in an effort to save the child but began struggling shortly after and was unable to resurface. A woman at the scene also entered the bayou and was able to safely pull the child from the water.
Emergency crews were dispatched around 7:43 p.m. Five trained swimmers with fire personnel entered the water to search for Rushing. He was eventually located and pulled from the bayou, and responders immediately began lifesaving efforts before transporting him to a nearby hospital.
Despite those efforts, Rushing was later pronounced dead at the hospital. His body has since been turned over to the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office, where an autopsy is pending.
Officials with the City of Covington confirmed Rushing’s role in the Cultural Arts Department, remembering him as a dedicated employee and valued member of the community. Covington City Councilman John Botsford said his passing is a tremendous loss to the city workforce.
Covington Mayor Mark Johnson also issued a statement, saying:
“Chris will be remembered for his ever-present smile, the joy that emanated from him and for his innate desire to help others. His passing is very difficult to process.”
Authorities say the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, though early reports indicate Rushing’s actions were an effort to save his grandchild.
The community now mourns the loss of a man remembered not only for his service to the city, but for his final act of courage and love in attempting to save a child’s life.
