Police Lieutenant Drowns During Hunting Trip After Kayak Overturns

A Tennessee police department is mourning after one of their own drowned during a hunting trip in North Dakota.

“This is an incomprehensible loss for our agency and the entire Knoxville community,” Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel said in a press statement about Lt. Gordon Gwathney, 57.

“Gordon was beloved by our department and so many members of our community,” Noel added. “He was a truly exceptional police officer who mentored generations of officers, dedicated his entire life to service and embodied the true spirit of community policing.”

As reported by KX News, the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office received a report on the morning of Sunday, Oct. 26, that a hunter’s kayak overturned north of Woodworth  — and that the members of the hunting party could not see their colleague. 

A sergeant with the sheriff’s office said the victim was located and taken to a hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The Knoxville Police Department subsequently identified the victim as Gwathney, who had served with the force since 1997.

“Gwathney, known endearingly as ‘Officer G’ throughout the East Knoxville community, served virtually his entire career on patrol,” the department said in its statement. “Early in his career, he was assigned as the first-ever School Resource Officer at Austin-East High School, where he formed countless lasting relationships in the community.”

Prior to joining the police force, Gwathney served in the U.S. Army and the Tennessee National Guard. 

“We are completely devastated by his passing and ask the community to lift his family, the members of our department and all who loved Gordon up in prayer,” they added.

Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon also paid tribute Gwathney.

“Gordon Gwathney will always be remembered first and foremost as ‘Officer G’, the friendly, accessible, caring officer who took the time to really get to know the people he was entrusted to serve and protect,” Kincannon said in a statement, “His commitment to listening and earning the trust of the community was exceptional. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and co-workers as we grieve his untimely death.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.  

The police department thanked the agencies who responded to Sunday’s incident, including the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

In an email to PEOPLE on Tuesday, Oct. 28, a representative for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department said the incident remains under investigation.