The Drew County Sheriff's Department responded to the death of Monticello resident Tommy Nile Emerson, age 75. Emerson had gone fishing at a catfish pond located in the Coleman area on October 5th around 1:00 p.m and had not returned home when expected. Emerson's son-in-law, Captain Jason Keates of Ft. Sile, Oklahoma, was on leave with his family visiting Emerson. Keates went to check on Emerson and found him lying face down in the water next to the bank. Keates pulled Emerson from the water, then checked and found no pulse.

Authorities observed that Emerson had caught a catfish that was still on the hook of his fishing pole. Emerson was pronounced dead at the scene and taken to Stephenson Dearman Funeral Home by the Drew County Coroner.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family friends.