2 friends accidentally drown after jumping off Meigs County bluff, family says

MEIGS COUNTY, Tenn. — What was supposed to be a fun time between friends turned into tragedy when 2 young men accidentally drowned while jumping off a bluff in Meigs County. That's according to their family, who we spoke with Monday.

The accident happened last Friday, mothers Alicia Burrow and Wanda Dyer say.

"I can't explain to you how hard it is as a parent, especially on Mother's Day," Dyers says.

A group of five friends went to go jump off of a bluff and into the Hiwassee River.

19-year-old Tristan Smith jumped into the river and began to struggle in the water, according to Wanda Dyer.

20-year-old JC Burrow and another man named Elijah dove in to try and help him.

"Many weren’t surprised JC jumped in after his friend. They say he’s a hero," Alicia says.

Alicia and Wanda tell us both Tristan and JC lost their lives that day. Elijah is in the hospital, according to Alicia.

Rhea County, Meigs County, Dallas Bay Fire, TWRA and Hamilton County STARS assisted in the search for their bodies Friday evening.

The search resumed on Saturday, and their mothers tell us the young men were found in the water early that morning.

Tristan left behind a daughter on the way and the mother of his child.

The viewing for Tristan Smith will be on Saturday the 18th at Jim Rush Funeral Home in Cleveland on North Ocoee Street. The service will begin at 2 p.m.

JC’s mother, Alicia, is still trying to get him home to Mississippi for further funeral arrangements.

“I just want to get him home," Alicia says.

Wanda has a GoFundMe link set up for Tristan's arrangements here.

We’ve reached out to the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office several times about this investigation, but have yet to hear back.