Operator was fishing out of a 10' Jon boat (LA-4189-EP) on Flag Lake on Barksdale AFB in Bossier Parish.  Operator was reported missing after not returning from a fishing trip.  Operator' vessel was located unoccupied on the lake.  A fishing rod and four prong rake were found on top of a mat of hyacinths a short distance from his vessel.  Operator' deceased body was located submerged in the water approximately 15' from the fishing rod and rake.  Operator was not wearing a PFD (personal flotation device).  The body was then turned over to the Bossier Parish Coroner's Office for autopsy.  The autopsy report revealed that Operator likely experienced an acute, fatal cardiac arrhythmia from which he was unable to recover and subsequently fell into the water.  The toxicology report found no traces of drugs or alcohol.  Operator had one Type 3 PFD in the vessel, but he was not wearing it at the time of the incident.  The vessel was powered by an electric Minn Kota trolling motor that was in the off position when found.  The contributing factor in this incident is the medical condition Operator suffered prior to falling in the water.
Bossier City                  