RedactedNarrative: On 7/10/2022, Operator and his wife launched a recently purchased PWC into Cross Lake from Melvin's Marina. Operator was operating the PWC (while wearing a non USCG approved manually inflating type V PFD) and Occupant was the passenger (while wearing a type III PFD). Occupant stated in an interview after the fact that Operator was making a very slow and wide turn a close distance from the boat dock at Melvin's when the PWC began to capsize and tipped over. 
  
  This placed both Operator and Occupant into the water. Once in the water, Operator began to struggle to swim. Occupant attempted to assist Operator by pulling the manual inflation string on the type V PFD that he was wearing. 
  
  The PFD failed to inflate and Operator separated himself from Occupant at this point. Occupant stated that Operator continued to struggle and attempt to inflate his PFD. Operator went under the water and never resurfaced. Occupant began screaming for help and a nearby boater quickly came to her rescue. Occupant was assisted into the rescue vessel and attempted to locate Operator with no result. Occupant was transported to the American Legion boat ramp and the Shreveport Fire Department and Shreveport Police Department were then notified. A short time later, the SFD dive team was able to locate Operator's body and remove him from the water. 
  
                A few hours after the incident, I was notified of this boating incident and arrived at the SPD Cross Lake Patrol boat ramp with Senior Agent. SA stayed with Operator's remains while waiting for the Caddo Parish Coroner. The PFD that Operator was wearing was photographed and is currently being held as evidence at the Region 1 Office in Minden, LA. 
  
                The citizen who assisted Occupant was found at the American Legion and was interviewed that day. Occupant was unable to be interviewed until a few days after the fact. All documentation/written statements will accompany this report. 
  
                 It is my opinion that operator inexperience resulting in the PWC capsizing was the contributing factor in this event. Upon receiving a copy of the coroner's autopsy report, the cause of death was listed as drowning (fresh water) resulting in asphyxia. blood/toxicology was obtained via the coroner's report. 
  
             
                While interviewing Occupant, she stated that the PFD that Operator was wearing was mailed to him as a gift approximately two years ago. She stated that it arrived "brand new" and in the plastic wrapper. SA stated that while the Caddo Coroner was photographing Operator's body, SPD Officer manipulated the PFD and opened the Velcro panel that contains the inflatable bladder before SA was able to photograph it. Officer affidavit is attached to this report as well.