Florence Man Drowns While Swimming Near McFarland Park

Authorities have confirmed the identity of a man who drowned over the weekend while swimming in the Tennessee River near McFarland Park.

According to Lauderdale County Coroner Kim Jones, the victim has been identified as Joshua Lee Chaney, 43, of Florence.

Chaney was last seen Saturday afternoon swimming from the beach area toward a buoy. Witnesses reported he began struggling during the return swim and went underwater without resurfacing.

A multi-agency search began Saturday evening and resumed early Sunday. Emergency officials reported that Chaney’s body was recovered at approximately 11:40 a.m. Sunday, about 200 yards from where he was last seen. He was found in water approximately 8 to 10 feet deep.

The Colbert County Boat Team located Chaney using underwater sonar imaging.

The search effort involved multiple agencies, including the Florence Police Department, Florence Fire and Rescue, Colbert County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Marine Police, and the Sheffield Police Department, along with dive teams, drones, and other watercraft.