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Montgomery Officer Drowns in OB

37 views · Published 31 July 2014 · 2:17 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: NBC 15 · 2014 · News & Politics

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ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (WPMI) Orange Beach was packed Friday, as kids and adults take advantage of the beautiful 4th of July weather and crystal clear water. 

But lifeguards are keeping a close eye on beachgoers. This after 35-year-old Montgomery Police Lt. Rian Rider lost his life the day before.
 
"The gentleman had gone further out to rescue his niece who may have been in distress. Lifeguards watching said he never appeared to be in any danger but then his family yelled for help so lifeguards entered the water," said Melvin Shepard, Beach Safety Director. 

Local 15 was told a witness pulled the girl to safety as lifeguards quickly rushed to help Rider who had been pulled out roughly 50 yards by strong waves. 
 
"When the lifeguard made it to the gentleman he was conscious. He was swimming treading water so the lifeguard passes the rescue can to the man. He takes it, puts it under his armpits and at that point the lifeguard makes his way back to the beach with him and the gentleman tilted his head back and went unconscious," said Shepard. 
 
Officials said Rider went into cardiac arrest in the helicopter on the way to the hospital and died.
 
"He definitely aspirated water in his lungs," said Shepard.
 
Yellow flags were flying the day Rider died. Now lifeguards are urging beachgoers to use caution.
 
Originally police reported that the victim was caught in a rip current and was underwater for two minutes, but Shepard said that wasn't the case.

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