Man dies trying to save woman who wandered into pond, deputies say

Dale Sanford, 60, was found by authorities outside a McMinn County residence, WCRB reported.

The woman was not related to Sanford but was staying at the residence, family members said. However, Sanford was the type of man "who cared about his family and would help anyone," his niece, Tashie Baxter, told the Times Free Press.

Two boats were used to recover the woman from the pond. She was taken to a hospital and was reportedly unharmed, West Polk Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department officials told the newspaper.

Deputies said they believe the woman wandered away from the home early Sunday and walked into the pond while under the influence of meth, the Times Free Press reported.

Sanford tried to save her but died in the process, deputies told the newspaper. An investigation is ongoing.