At 07:44 pm, Sgt was advised of a boating incident on Reserve Canal in St. John Parish.  Sgt. arrived at Reserve Canal boat launch where he was briefed by Sheriff's Deputy Sgt. had the operator in custody.  Sgt. advised the operator of his rights and asked what had happened. According to Operator, at approximately 07:15PM, the subjects were traveling at idle speed while putting out jug lines when the passenger, Passenger, went into convulsions and fell overboard.  Operator attempted to rescue Passenger but advised he was unable to because he was combative and pulling him under water. After several attempts to locate Passenger under the water, Operator found him and was able to pull him on board with the help of another boater.  Passenger was transported from Reserve Canal Boat Launch to River Parishes Hospital where he expired  at 7:48PM.PFD's were on board but not used by the operator or victim.  The kill switch was not used.  There were several empty beer cans in the vessel and a packet of synthetic marijuana which Operator stated was his.  Operator stated he and Passenger had gotten off work at 5:30 PM and drank a few beers before launching the vessel.  He advised he had not used synthetic marijuana in several days.  Operator also stated that Passenger was a" functioning alcoholic".  Operator submitted a blood sample at River Parish Hospital (to be submitted to LSP Crime lab), was cited for illegal possession of a schedule 1 substance, and released.  Agents observed the odor of an alcoholic beverage on Operator's breath and person.  His speech was not slurred and his balance was good.  His vessel and towing vehicle were released, with Operator's permission to Operator's work supervisor.  The medical history of the deceased is not know at this time.
Reserve                       