Rogers Arkansas officer dies after trying to rescue distressed swimmer on Elk River

A Rogers police officer died after entering the Elk River near Noel, Missouri, to help another swimmer who became distressed, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Officer Fred Marsh, 24, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, died Saturday evening while canoeing with his fiancée and friends on the Elk River.

The Rogers Police Department announced his death Sunday, describing him as a valued first-year officer.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Marsh entered the water around 5:40 p.m. near Easy Street in Noel in an attempt to assist another swimmer who had become distressed and exhausted.

During the rescue attempt, Marsh went underwater and did not resurface.

A dive team later recovered his body from the Elk River.

McDonald County Coroner Jonathan Fletcher pronounced Marsh dead at 10:08 p.m. Sunday at the scene.

Marsh had graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy on April 9, 2026, and was still in his first year with the Rogers Police Department.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for our department,” Police Chief Jonathan Best said in a statement. “Officer Marsh had a bright future ahead of him and had already made a positive impact on those who had the privilege of serving alongside him.”

Best said Marsh’s willingness to serve others and enthusiasm for law enforcement would not be forgotten.

The department extended its condolences to Marsh’s family, fiancée, friends and coworkers and asked the community to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.