RedactedNarrative: On 5/5/16, Operator launched his vessel at Joe Bob's Landing and was fishing on Darbonne Bayou in Ouachita Parish.  At approximately 11 p. m., Ouachita Parish Sheriffs Office was advised that he had not returned from fishing.  LDWF Enforcement agents, OPSO deputies, friends and family members were involved in the search.  Operator was located at approximately 4:40 a.m. on 5/6/16.  He was still sitting upright in the operators seat, deceased and in full rigor.  He was wearing a Type 3 PFD (unbuckled) with the kill switch still attached to the PFD.  The motor was in gear and throttle was at approximately 3/4. Ignition was in the "ON" position.  The gas tank of the vessel was empty.  The vessel also had one Type 4 PFD and one Type 3 PFD on board.  His vessel had left the channel of Darbonne Bayou striking several small trees until it came to rest.  
  
  No problems with the steering or damage to the motor was observed.  Several small tree limbs were broken as the vessel travelled through trees.  Operator had several abrasions on his face/forehead and a busted lip.  He also had what appeared to be a puncture wound on the right side of his naval.  It was later determined by the coroners office that the puncture wound was not from a tree limb or stick but from a gunshot.  A pistol was located on the floor of the vessel near Operator' left foot strapped in a holster.  The pistol was examined by Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office investigators and a spent round was located in the chamber.  The Ouachita Parish Coroners Office listed the cause of death as a gunshot wound of abdomen. 
  
   OPSO investigators concluded that it was an accidental discharge when the firearm apparently fell from the console of the vessel.   Toxicology showed no signs of drug use, but Operator' %BAC was .053 and his %w/v was .041.
  