Auburn University’s longtime football chaplain tragically died over the weekend after falling into a local lake.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) confirmed that Chette Williams, 61, died on Sunday, December 15, after an accidental fall into Lake Martin near the dock of Kowaliga’s Restaurant while with a friend, AL.com reported.

Williams tried to leave the restaurant after realizing it was closed and as he got onto his pontoon boat, he fell into the water, the outlet reported. His fall occurred around 5:45 p.m. local time and his body was recovered at 7:19 p.m., where he was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

Never miss a story again — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin confirmed that Williams’ friend jumped into the water to save him, but unfortunately his efforts were unsuccessful, according to the outlet.

Representatives from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Local NBC affiliate WSFA 12 reported that Williams’ body was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy.

Williams was the football chaplain at Auburn University for 24 years, assuming that role in 1999 after being appointed by then-Auburn head coach – and now U.S. Senator – Tommy Tuberville, according to a tribute to Williams from the Auburn University athletics department.

Following news of his death, Tuberville X, formerly known as Twitter, took to posting a heartfelt tribute to Williams. “It breaks my heart to hear the news about Chette Williams. “Brother Chette was a remarkable man who led hundreds of young people to the Lord over the years,” Tuberville’s message read in part.

“I am grateful that we recently had the opportunity to catch up. Without him, Auburn wouldn’t be what it is today. My thoughts and prayers are with Brother Chette’s family and those impacted by his ministry over the years. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on in the lives he touched,” Tuberville continued in his message.

Before becoming a university chaplain, Williams was a linebacker for the Auburn University football team from 1982 to 1984 and “helped the Tigers win three bowl games, including the 1984 Sugar Bowl to cap the 1983 SEC championship season,” according to the university .

After his college football career, he was appointed chaplain in 1987 and ordained the following year, the university said. Williams was the father of three children, two daughters, Lauren and Caitlyn, and a son, Chette Williams Jr., who died in 2019, the university said.