On 4/22/2011 at approx 11:30 a.m. Operator was operating a 14' aluminum duracraft flat boat powered by a trolling motor only in a private lake located at 1502 j.h. jenkins lane, denham springs, la. Operator was in the process of putting out a trotline. He was accompanied by two passengers. Operator was sitting in the front of the vessel on the deck in a pedestal type seat. Operator leaned over the port side of the vessel to drop the last trotline weight. When he leaned the vessel also leaned to the port side at which time the hinges that were not secured (see photos) allowed the seat pedestal assembly which was mounted to the cargo storage door to lean as well resulting in Operator and the assembly to fall overboard. 

At this time occupant jumped in the water to assist Operator who could not swim and was panicking. She attempted to help him but was overcome by him and shortly became exhausted and started swallowing water. She then backed off and he went under and never came back up. The vessel had now drifted a good distance away from her due to the wind. When her son saw her struggling he jumped in with a life jacket and helped her back to the vessel. They then called for help. Gps coordinates at the location of the trotline weight was recorded and search for Operator began there. Operators body was recovered by the tangipahoa fire departments drag team at 1:57 p.m. (1357 hrs) in this area. He was pronounced dead via drowning by the st. Helena coroner. Note: the vessel was equipped with three type one pfd's but none were worn. Occupant advised that Operator did advise her he could not swim when getting into the vessel so she offered him a pfd but he advised if it is his time to go then it is just his time to go. No alcohol or drugs suspected.

DENHAM SPRINGS                