On December 5, 2013, vessel LA-3138-BW was discovered drifting unoccupied in the Blood River located in Livingston Parish with heavy structural damage to its portside bow and to its starboard side gunwale. The body of the operator  of said vessel was also found drifting in the Blood River deceased approximately 20 yards from the vessel. His cause of death was later determined by the Livingston Parish Coroners Office to be drowning. 
 Based on physical evidence it was determined by investigators that operator in all probability was attempting to transfer his fuel line from one gas tank to another (while his vessel engine was still running) which was located in a covered compartment in the rear of the vessel when he slipped falling back against the vessels throttle causing it to suddenly accelerate thus ejecting him into the water.  Based on physical evidence it was determined by investigators that Victim in all probability was attempting to transfer his fuel line from one gas tank to another (while his vessel engine was still running) which was located in a covered compartment in the rear of the vessel when he slipped falling back against the vessels throttle, OR against the seat which in turn rotated against the throttle re-engaging it into the forward position and suddenly powering up the engine for which he was not prepared. Either incident would have caused the vessel to unexpectantly lurch forward with enough force and speed to cause Victim to be ejected into the water and the vessel would continue on until it impacted the trees on the nearby shoreline.
Additionally, it is believed and evidence supports that Victim was ejected from the vessel prior to its impact with the trees on the shoreline. Based on the damage to the vessel and the damage to the trees on the shoreline, which the vessel impacted with force, if Victim would have remained in the vessel upon impact, he would have sustained much more physical injury about his body.
The vessel was found to be equipped with the proper amount of PFD’s however they were not utilized in this incident. Alcohol use has been determined to not be a factor in the cause of this incident.

 The vessel was found to be equipped with the proper amount of PFD’s however they were not utilized in this incident. Alcohol use has been determined to not be a factor in the cause of this incident.
SPRINGFIELD