Toney sacrifices himself to save child from drowning

Some residents along the Spring River are calling for change after a Hardy man lost his life the evening of June 9.

37-year-old Justin Toney was out swimming with friends when he and several children jumped into the river at Buford Beach in Hardy.

According to witnesses and friends, immediately, all present knew something was wrong and raced to help.

Toney had become entangled in branches among a deep and newly-formed hole which is likely a result of the shift in waters during the historic April 5 flood.

Toney’s friends were able to help get the children from the water, however; Toney sacrificed himself to save one of the children by keeping the child above the water until they could be grabbed.

Unfortunately, Toney remained entangled in the branches and did not resurface.

Those with Toney later learned what appeared to be gentle rapids was in fact a 12-foot deep hole and police and water rescue crews were forced to use chainsaws to eliminate the underwater hazard so close to the bank.

Toney’s son was among the children at the water and has been left fatherless.

Friends have begun to rally to raise funds for the children and their futures. Donations may be sent through Cashapp to $amber6084.

Following the April 5 flood, river-goers have been wary and providing updates about water hazards they encounter due to debris, however; the area along Buford Beach where Toney’s life was lost, was not among the warning zones provided by locals, until now.

According to the USGS, at the time of the incident, the Spring River’s water level was just under five feet, higher than its average flow of slightly more than three feet, but no where near the limits of the banks.

Since learning of the tragic incident, several residents are calling for better water safety inspections, urging the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to begin cleanup efforts from debris from the recent floods.