The husband of the administrative assistant to Sheriff Jim Hammond died at Orange Beach, Fla., over the holidays as his wife watched.
Sheriff Hammond said Michael Picou was on a paddle board or surf board when he suddenly went under the water. His wife, Kacey, was able to reach him. However, attempts to revive Mr. Picou were unsuccessful.
He was just 49.
Sheriff Hammond said, "This was a real tragedy."
He said Ms. Picou has worked for him for about five years.