On July 26,2013 at approx. 8:00 pm I Sgt. received a phone call from Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Office of a missing boater. The caller stated that an elderly gentleman was past due from returning from fishing on Black Lake in Natchitoches Parish and a friend had found his boat floating with no one in it. Upon arrival at the Sandy Point boat launch contact was made with Chief Deputy and he stated that the body of operator had been located floating face down a few hundred yards from his vessel. Operator was not wearing a PFD. After boarding vessel and going to the location of the search team, I observed a subject laying on the front deck of Sheriffs Office vessel with several boat motor prop cuts to head, face, and jaw area. The body was transported by search team to the boat launch where he was received by Natchitoches Parish Coroner. I then went to Operators boat a 15ft 1973 VIP stick steer which was tied to a tree near where it was found. All search team members advised me that the boat with contents were left the way it was found. Upon inspection of the vessel no visible damage was located on the hull, mechanical parts or the interior of vessel. The key was in the on position with the throttle completely forward indicating max throttle. The steering handle was pushed slightly forward resulting in the motor being turned approximately a half turn to the port side causing the vessel to turn to the starboard. The operators seat located in the front center of the vessel between the throttle and the steering handle was also turned slightly to the left towards the steering handle. Attached to the backs of both seats were two type III PFD's. It was observed that the gas tank, two ice chest, and fishing tackle were shifted forward only a few inches from the impact of the vessel with Operator. 
   The investigation leads me to believe that for an undetermined reason Operator exited the vessel on the port side near or over the steering handle pushing it forward and causing it to turn to the starboard. The impact with Operator shifted the 6 gallon gas tank that was half full forward enough to pinch the gas line. After impact the vessel continued in a wide circle to the right until all gas was used in gas line and engine. This caused the engine to die and come to rest a few hundred yards from Operator. The Coroners report indicates Operator had no medical issues at the time of incident and no alcohol or drugs were found with toxicology report. While talking with the family of Operator they indicated that he had been to the heart doctor three or four times with chest pains in the last two weeks before incident. He also was a recipient of a heart pacemaker. There were no witnesses to incident.
Creston