Chette Williams, the longtime football chaplain for Auburn University, passed away over the weekend after an accidental fall into Lake Martin.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) confirmed that Williams, 61, died on Sunday, December 15, near the dock at Kowaliga’s Restaurant while with a friend. Williams died after falling into Lake Martin while leaving a closed restaurant, according to PEOPLE.
As he stepped onto his pontoon boat around 5:45 p.m., he fell into the water. His body was recovered at 7:19 p.m. and pronounced dead at the scene, authorities reported.
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WSFA 12 reported that Williams’ body has been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy.
Williams served as Auburn University’s football chaplain for 24 years, appointed in 1999 by then-head coach Tommy Tuberville, now a U.S. senator, as noted in a tribute from the Auburn University Athletics Department.
Following the news of his death, Tuberville took to X 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 serving as Auburn University’s football chaplain, Williams played linebacker for the team from 1982-84, contributing to three bowl game victories, including the 1984 Sugar Bowl following the 1983 SEC championship season.
After his college football career, he became a licensed minister in 1987 and was ordained in 1988.
Williams was a father of three, with daughters Lauren and Caitlyn, and a son, Chette Williams Jr., who passed away in 2019.
