What happened to Max Petett? Jackson County School pay tribute to beloved principal as he passes away

Max Petett, a former principal of Cookeville High School, Tennessee, reportedly passed away alongside his wife, Jackson County School confirmed Sunday, February 2, 2025, via a Facebook post. Petett, a career educator with over thirty years of experience, began serving as Jackson County High School principal this year.

In a statement paying tribute to the late principal, the school said Dr. Max Petett and his wife died in a tragic accident this weekend. In a Facebook post, Nick Beres, a Journalist for News Channel 5, said he spoke with Sheriff Brandon Boone in Clay County, TN, who revealed that Max Petett and his wife were reported missing from their houseboat on Dale Hollow Lake.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they reportedly found the couple deceased in the lake from apparent drownings. He added

“But the sheriff tells me they will wait for autopsy results to be sure. At this point, he says there is no indication of foul play and this appears to have been a tragic accident … but, what exactly happened remains unclear.”

According to a 2019 message from Putnam County Schools Director Max, Petett served as the principal of Cookeville High School for five years. Prior to joining Cookeville High School, Petett was a career educator in Kentucky, where he served as the principal at Kentucky’s Monroe County High School for six years.

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Community pays tribute to beloved Jackson County High School principal Max Petett

Jackson County School paid tribute to principal Max Petett, who was beloved in the community. The school described Petett as a mentor, a friend who championed students and staff. They added:

“His dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to our school will never be forgotten. As we prepare to return to school tomorrow, we recognize that this loss will weigh heavily on our hearts. We are committed to supporting our students, staff, and families during this difficult time.”

Several community members also penned an emotional tribute to the beloved principal who tragically passed away. A community member wrote:

“He will be missed. He loved our faculty, staff and students and it showed with the kindness he gave to us all. It wasn’t uncommon to see him talking and laughing with students during class changes. Truly a great person. I didn’t know his wife but he always spoke highly of her. Prayers for his and his wife’s families.”

Another added:

“The kids loved him so much. Will said he always talked and cut up and engaged with them.”

Max Petett has spent decades serving as a classroom teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal