Monroe Co. Falcon Academy’s principal and athletics coach died in early February 2025. He had gone missing in the Dale Hollow Lake Drowning incident.
Highlights
- Max Petett was the principal of Jackson County High School. He previously served as principal and coach of Monroe Falcon Academy.
- Max Petett and his wife, Tracy Ford Petett, passed away in February 2025 following a tragic accident of drowning.
- Max Petett and Tracy’s five children mourn their loss.
On February 2, 2025, Jackson County Schools announced devastating news about the demise of high school principal Dr. Max Petett and his wife, Tracy Ford Petett. The post writes,
It is with profound sadness that I share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved high school principal, Dr. Max Petett, and his wife in a tragic accident this weekend. Our hearts are heavy with grief as we process this tremendous loss.
Jackson County Schools
Early the week, Max Petett and his wife were reported missing from their houseboat on Dale Hollow Lake.
According to NC5 journalist Nick Beres, Sheriff Brandon Boone in Clay County, Tennessee, reported that when the first responders arrived on the scene, they found Max and Tracy deceased in the lake.
Furthermore, he states that there is no indication of foul play, and this appeared to have been a tragic accident, but what exactly happened remains unclear.
Therefore, for further information, the Sheriff’s office and the entire Kentucky await the autopsy results.
Following the demise news of Max Petett and his wife, the messages of grief and condolences are following over the social media.
People remember Matt as a mentor, leader, and a great coach. Petett was known for his monumental impact on Monroe County athletics, having dedicated his life to fostering sportsmanship in young talents.
On his Twitter account, while serving as the principal of Monroe Co. Falcon Academy, he often encouraged the school athletics and coaches for the betterment.
Moreover, Max also served as the principal of Cookeville High School and its athletics coach. He had about 30 years of experience as an educator.
Max and Tracy Petett’s Children Mourn Their Loss And Seek Prayers From The Kentucky Community
The loss of the guardians, Max and Tracy, has sent profound grief to their children. Max was the father to two sons, Parker and Spencer, and a daughter, Hunter Petett Coe.
Similarly, Tracy was the mother of two sons, Braden and Brooks Murphy.
Following the demise of her father, Max, her daughter Hunter Petett Coe has shared her precious memories with her father on her Facebook account.
Similarly, Max’s son Parker has remembered his father, Max, and stepmother, Tracy, with a lovely family post, including his wife, Alexis Petett, and two children.
On the other hand, Tracy’s beloved sons, Braden and Brooks, are also mourning the loss of their beloved mother.
Similarly, the Petett and Murphy family seeks prayers from the Kentucky community and their close ones, preparing for the memorial services.
Max and Tracy dated around 2017 and tied their wedding knot in 2019. Tracy has shared a wedding picture of her being accompanied by his two sons while walking down the aisle.
While there is barely any information about Tracy’s previous relationship and marriage, Max was previously married to Lori Petett, a Monroe County Medical Center nurse.
Furthermore, regarding his funeral and memorial services, Jackson County School reports the information will be shared as they become available.
Similarly, in the meantime, the school district asks that the Petett family be kept in their thoughts and prayers.
Additional Information
Tracy Petett’s son Braden Murphy is a physical therapist assistant at the Palace Health Care and Rehab and Smith County Health and Rehabilitation.
Max Petett’s son, Parker Petett, studied at Western Kentucky University and works at Cleary Construction INC.
