BRIDGEPORT — Authorities say a man quickly dove into the Tennessee River after seeing his girlfriend's car sinking and then drown in the fast-moving water.

Police say he might not have realized that his girlfriend had already escaped from the car, and had been helped to shore by a fisherman.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that 25-year-old Christopher Heaton of Jasper, Tenn., died after the Tuesday evening rescue attempt near Bridgeport, Ala.

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 wasn't released, was taken to a hospital in Scottsboro, Ala., where she was treated for bruises and hypothermia.