The past few days have been hard on the city of Nashville, as the entire community has mourned the loss of one of its biggest heroes.
Officer Eric Mumaw was an 18-year veteran of the Metro Nashville Police Department. As a beloved member of the community, his tragic death rocked Nashville to its core.
According to The Tennessean, Officer Mumaw died in the Cumberland River early on Thursday (February 2) while attempting to save a woman police believed to be suicidal. The Tennessean states that Officer Mumaw attempted to open the driver’s side door of the woman’s car when she put it in drive, dragging him into the river in the process.
Officer Mumaw’s body was found a few hours later. Reports state that he passed away as a result of “apparent drowning.”
In the days since Officer Mumaw’s tragic passing, the entire Nashville community has joined together to mourn his loss. Several country stars have paid their respects as well, both on social media and in person. When it came time for Officer Mumaw’s memorial service on Monday (February 6), a few country stars turned out to pay tribute to him.
Billy Ray Cyrus was one of the artists in attendance at the memorial. Along with Jamey Johnson, Cyrus performed his 1992 song, “Some Gave All,” which he co-wrote. Cyrus shared his condolences to Officer Mumaw’s family through a statement:
“‘Some Gave All’ is a song I wrote in 1989 about heroes who sometimes make the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation, our freedom and the unselfishness in serving others. Officer Mumaw is an American hero. He will never be forgotten…and his legacy will live on forever.“
Vince Gill was the other country star on hand to perform at Officer Mumaw’s memorial. Gill performed his emotional hit, “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” which he wrote following the deaths of his brother, Bob, and country star Keith Whitley.
Speaking to those in attendance, Gill dedicated his performance of “Go Rest High” to Officer Mumaw’s mother. “I wrote this song for the love of a brother, and today I want to sing it for all of you for your love for your brother,” he said.
With tears in his eyes, Gill delivered a moving performance of “Go Rest High” in Officer Mumaw’s honor. We’re sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the room by the time he was finished singing.
You can watch Gill’s powerful tribute in the video below. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mumaw’s family and loved ones during this sad time.