A tragic accident over the weekend in Tennessee claimed the lives of a high school principal and his wife. Dr. Max Petett, the principal of Jackson County High School, and his wife, Tracey, drowned while staying on a houseboat at the Dale Hollow Marina, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Their bodies were discovered on the opposite side of the lake, across from the marina. Their dog was found on the houseboat they had been staying on.
An official cause of death will be determined following autopsies by the medical examiner, but authorities have ruled out foul play.
The school district described the incident as a “tragic accident,” honoring Dr. Petett’s legacy. “Dr. Petett was more than a leader; he was a mentor, a friend, and a champion for our students and staff. His dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to our school will never be forgotten,” the district shared on Facebook.
Deputies suspect the couple drowned, but the exact cause of death will not be confirmed until a medical examiner conducts an autopsy. Authorities do not believe foul play was involved.According to the sheriff’s office, their deaths are believed to have occurred on Saturday.
“Dr. Petett was more than a leader—he was a mentor, a friend, and a champion for our students and staff. His dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to our school will never be forgotten,” the district shared in a Facebook post on Sunday.
Counselors will be available when students return to class on Monday, and the school will provide designated spaces for reflection and remembrance.
