Drowning on the Fourth of July: What happened to Avery Pickle?

Avery Pickle was a young man who looked out for others. The 17-year-old Elberta High School student was a valued member of the football team, as well as a competitive wrestler, and super likable. He was kind and the kind of guy everybody wanted to be around, thanks to his quick wit, and charm, and easy-going personality. 

He made friends easily and with everyone from his fellow students to his co-workers at Pirates Cove in the small Gulf Coast city of Elberta, Alabama. This past 4th of July, Avery was leaning toward staying at home, but friends called him to come out and enjoy the holiday. And why not? The soon-to-be-senior had a bright future and his whole life ahead of him. He was excited about his last year in high school and planning to double major in college. 

But those dreams drowned in a curious incident that cost the strong and strapping teenager his life on the 4th of July. A tragedy that touched a nerve in the small community and we’ve ended up with more questions than answers. 

Join us for another homegrown episode of the Gulf Coast Confidential podcast: “Drowning on the Fourth of July: What happened to Avery Pickle?”