Thomas Lee Bales was a 16-year-old from Aberdeen, Mississippi.

Thomas grew up in Mississippi and attended Oak Hill Academy and was entering his junior year in the fall. An athlete, Thomas was a member of his school's football football team where he played corner back and wide receiver. ^[4]Outside of school, Thomas was a part of the First United Methodist Church of Aberdeen’s Methodist Youth Fellowship. In his free time, he enjoyed hanging out with family and friends. Thomas is remembered for his work ethic, infectious smile, and putting others first before himself. ^[2]

During a trip to Lewis Smith Lake in Alabama with his church, Thomas died in a swimming accident.

He jumped off a boat dock and came back up and said "that hurt" before going underwater again.

His body was found close to the dock in 28 feet of water.

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