KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The East Knoxville community is grieving the loss of one of their own after 57-year-old Lt. Gordan Gwathney of the Knoxville Police Department died Sunday.

Gwathney died near Woodworth, North Dakota while on a hunting trip. Officers responded to reports that a hunter’s kayak had tipped over. Gwathney was later found and pronounced dead at a hospital due to drowning.

Those in his community were shocked to learn of his death and said his role in the community went beyond the duties of an officer.

“He gave you a sense of comfort, a sense of peace with his presence. Any interaction you have with law enforcement, there's this common feeling that people have. Officer G gave you a sense of comfort. He just he policed in a different way,” said community leader and city

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