Sunday drowning kills one
By Alison James
alison.james@fct.wpengine.com
A boating incident at approximately 3 a.m. Sept. 13, near the Cummins Creek Bridge on Upper Bear Creek Lake, has claimed the life of a Phil Campbell man, according to local authorities.
Teddy Allan McAlister, 49, drowned after he fell overboard from a canoe.
“We got the call around 3:30 a.m., “ said Sheriff Shannon Oliver, whose department was one of several to work the scene. Reportedly, McAlister was out checking his fishing jugs, went down and never resurfaced. Buddies on the shore called 9-1-1.
“The divers didn’t get to start until about daybreak Sunday morning,” Oliver said.
McAlister, who was not using a personal flotation device, was recovered from the water at approximately 3 p.m. Sept. 13.
Also assisting the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency were Phil Campbell Fire, Russellville Fire and Haleyville and Russellville dive teams.
Alabama State Troopers assigned to Marine Patrol continue to investigate. Oliver said he is not aware of any evidence of foul play, but an investigation is warranted.
