The longtime football chaplain for Auburn University died tragically over the weekend after falling into a local lake.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) confirmed that Chette Williams, 61, died on Sunday, Dec. 15, after an accidental fall into Lake Martin near the dock at Kowaliga’s Restaurant while with a friend, AL.com reported. 

Williams was attempting to leave the restaurant after realizing that it was closed, and while stepping onto his pontoon boat, he fell into the water, the outlet reported. His fall occurred around 5:45 p.m local time and his body was recovered at 7:19 p.m., where he was then pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

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Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin confirmed that Williams’ friend jumped into the water in an attempt to save him, but was unfortunately unsuccessful in their efforts, according to the outlet.

Representatives from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Local NBC affiliate WSFA 12 reported that Williams’ body has been transferred to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for autopsy.

Williams was the football chaplain at Auburn University for 24 years, stepping into the role in 1999 after being appointed by then-head Auburn football coach — and now U.S. senator — Tommy Tuberville, according to a message honoring Williams from the Auburn University Athletics Department.

Following the news of his death, Tuberville took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to post a heartfelt tribute to Williams. “Heartbroken to hear the news about Chette Williams. Brother Chette was a remarkable man who led hundreds of young people to the Lord through the years,” Tuberville’s message read in part.   

“I am thankful that we recently had the opportunity to catch up. Auburn wouldn’t be what it is today without him. My thoughts and prayers are with Brother Chette’s family, along with those impacted by his ministry through the years. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the lives he touched,” Tuberville’s message continued.

Before becoming the university chaplain, Williams was a linebacker for the Auburn University football team from 1982-84, helping “the Tigers win three bowl games, including the 1984 Sugar Bowl to cap the 1983 SEC championship season,” according to the university. 

Following his college football career, he became a licensed minister in 1987 and was ordained the following year, the university said. Williams was a father of three, with two daughters, Lauren and Caitlyn, and a son, Chette Williams Jr., who died in 2019, the university said.