CLEBURNE COUNTY, AL — A devastating tragedy unfolded early Sunday morning near Lake Wedowee as 21-year-old Cohen Turner lost his life in a heroic act of friendship and sacrifice. Turner died after being swept away by powerful floodwaters while saving his best friend, Detric, during a flash flood incident in rural Alabama.

According to Brian Blazer, Detric’s father-in-law, the two young men were returning from a night of fishing around 4 a.m. when they encountered sudden and extreme flooding along a dark rural road. The water had surged more than 20 feet, fueled by heavy rains that turned a nearby creek into a raging torrent.

A Night of Fishing Turns Into a Life-Or-Death Struggle

Detric was driving their SUV, which was towing a bass boat, when they crested a hill and were instantly overtaken by a wall of water. The force of the flood swept their vehicle off the road and slammed it into a guardrail, trapping the two friends inside.

Detric recalled waking Cohen up and yelling, “Wake up, we could drown!” That was the moment Cohen sprang into action—not to save himself, but to save his friend.

In a desperate and selfless effort, Cohen opened the sunroof and pulled Detric through it. The two climbed on top of the SUV, which was now drifting in the violent current. For a brief moment, they clung to each other and to hope as their vehicle was carried downstream.

When it came time to jump into nearby trees for safety, Detric began to struggle. Cohen, already fatigued and facing overwhelming water pressure, mustered the strength to shove Detric upward, helping him climb and secure himself in a tree. That final act of courage saved Detric’s life.

“He Died a Hero”

Detric survived the flood, clinging to the tree for hours as the water raged below. His cries for help were drowned out by the sound of the current. Eventually, it was his loved ones—searching desperately—who heard his voice and waded through neck-deep water to rescue him.

Cohen, however, had been pulled away by the current. His body was discovered later, entangled in the trees as the floodwaters began to recede. Officials confirmed that the cause of death was drowning.

Emergency responders and volunteers praised the bravery of the young man whose last moments were defined by pure selflessness. “Cohen Turner died a hero,” said one rescue worker. “He did what very few people would be able to do under that kind of pressure.”

A Community Grieves

Cohen was more than a hero in a moment of crisis—he was a devoted friend, a passionate fisherman, and a young man remembered for his big heart and joyful spirit. His death has sent ripples of sorrow throughout the Cleburne County area, where friends, family, and strangers alike have come together to honor his memory.

“Cohen was the kind of guy who would do anything for the people he loved,” said one friend. “Now we know that wasn’t just a figure of speech. He really gave everything for someone he cared about.”

A memorial is being planned in his hometown, and a fund has been established to support funeral expenses and to recognize Cohen’s extraordinary act of bravery.

Flash Flood Warnings Still in Effect

Authorities are reminding residents across eastern Alabama to remain vigilant, as unpredictable summer storms continue to create hazardous flooding conditions. The area around Lake Wedowee, known for fishing and recreation, was particularly hard-hit this weekend, with several roads temporarily closed and multiple vehicles swept away.

Cohen Turner’s life may have been short, but his legacy is eternal. He will be remembered as a son, a friend, and a hero who gave his life so another could live.

May his memory forever be a light of courage, love, and selflessness.