RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – A 17-year-old Brandon High School baseball player died after drowning in the Ross Barnett Reservoir on Sunday morning.
According to Reservoir Police Chief Terrell Dixon, Nathaniel Griffith fell off the boat and drowned while fishing with his friends. The incident happened around 6:00 a.m north of Highway 43. His body was recovered shortly after.
“Great all-around kid, good student, really well-liked by all of his friends, and peers and the school and teachers. Everybody likes him,” said Brandon High School Principal Dr. Bryan Marshall.
Fanny Taylor, a staff member at Brandon High School, said she recently lost her only son, so she knows the pain that the family is feeling right now.
“Kim my heart goes out to you and your baby. Because if anybody knows what you’re going through now, it’s me. Because I go through emotion and so much. I love you and you have my heart and my sympathy,” Taylor said.
Dr. Marshall said students have gathered to share their memories of Griffith.
“He’s a great kid, great person, and we’re going to miss him.”
Youth ministers are working with students as they grieve the loss of their friend.