Today has been a heartbreaking day for our community.
At approximately 1:37 p.m., the Coffee County 911 Center received a 911 call reporting a possible drowning involving two missing individuals at the bridge at the intersection of Alabama Highway 27 and Alabama Highway 84 near Elba.
Responding agencies quickly arrived on scene and determined that two individuals had gone underwater and did not resurface. The preliminary investigation indicates that 21-year-old Benji Falvo went underwater while attempting to cross the river. His stepfather, David Thomas Rubright, entered the water in an attempt to rescue him and also went underwater.
At approximately 5:00 p.m., Mr. Rubright was recovered. At approximately 6:13 p.m., Mr. Falvo was recovered.
This incident remains under investigation by the Elba Police Department, the Coffee County Coroner’s Office, and the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
We would like to thank all of the agencies that responded and worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon and evening, including Elba Fire Department, New Brockton Fire Department, Enterprise Rescue, Enterprise Air 1 and Air 2, Coffee County EMA, Bullock Fire Department, Opp Fire Department Dive Team, Houston County Dive Team, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Patrol/Game Wardens, and the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office.
Both individuals will be transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for autopsies as part of the ongoing investigation.
On behalf of the Coffee County Coroner’s Office, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Falvo and Rubright families. We ask everyone to please keep these families, their friends, and all of the first responders involved in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Out of respect for the families and the integrity of the investigation, no further information will be released at this time.
