Authorities in northeastern Alabama say a man dove into the Tennessee River after seeing his girlfriend's car sinking - but drowned in the fast-moving water.
But authorities say he may not have realised the girlfriend had already escaped from the car and was helped to shore by a fisherman.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported 25-year-old Christopher Heaton of Jasper, Tennessee, died after the Tuesday evening (Wednesday NZT) rescue attempt near Bridgeport, Alabama.
Police said he had driven to the spot where they were to meet near a boat ramp, when he saw her car sinking and immediately dove into the water.
Jackson County Chief Deputy Rocky Harnen said the woman, whose name was not released, was taken to a hospital in Scottsboro, Alabama, where she was treated for bruises and hypothermia.
