Deputy constable, Marine drown in Trinity River

09:55 AM CDT on Friday, September 16, 2005

By Jeremy Desel / 11 News

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A Marine who had just returned from Iraq and a San Jacinto County deputy constable lost their lives in the Trinity River Thursday when they tried to rescue two others.

A family barbecue was to be a day of celebration and fun for a 19-year-old Marine who had just returned from Iraq. Instead, he and San Jacinto County deputy constable died trying to save a woman and a child in the Trinity River.

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San Jacinto Precinct 2 Constable Jerry Everitt hailed Deputy Denny Galloway as a hero who didn't hesitate to help.

During the barbecue, the woman and the child went for a swim. They soon got into trouble in the deep water and swift currents.

The young Marine jumped in the water to rescue the struggling swimmers. It happened at around 5 p.m.

"There's debris, trees in there. There are currents and it's not safe," said San Jacinto County spokesperson Judy Eaton.

Dep. Galloway responded to the call for help and rushed into the water to help. Both men lost their lives.

"He died a hero today trying to save a kid. He did not hesitate. He wouldn't had it no other way. As far as I'm concerned, Denny Galloway is a hero for Shepherd, Texas, Precinct 2, San Jacinto County and all law enforcement in the state of Texas," said Jerry Everitt, San Jacinto Precinct 2 Constable.

The mother and child were all right.

"He didn't hesitate to pull the uniform off and go into the water. A dangerous current is in the Trinity River and always has been. He did not hesitate," Constable Everitt said.

Galloway had been a peace officer for in Texas 11 years and had been in San Jacinto County for the last year.

It had been a long night for Galloway. He had just finished working at the site of a train derailment in Shepherd that took the life of a railroad employee.