On 4/14/2023 at approximately 10:00PM, I was contacted by Jackson Parish S.O. in reference to a boat accident on Caney Lake. I arrived on scene at approximately 10:30PM. I was notified by the S.O. that a pontoon vessel impacted the Caney Lake Dam. I was also informed there were 2 passengers on board the vessel and injuries were unknown at the time I was en route to the accident. Upon my arrival at the scene, I was initially informed the only passenger received possible head and neck injuries. Passenger was airlifted to LSU medical center in Shreveport. At the time of Passenger's departure from the scene, I was notified by Deputies that she had a loss of sensation in her arms and legs and possible paralysis. I then made contact with the operator. Operator did not appear to have injuries and refused any medical treatment. Operator stated Passenger was sitting next to him on the couch portion of the vessel. Operator stated Passenger was ejected from the vessel upon impact with the dam. Operator informed me that he believed he was traveling a different direction on the lake when the accident occured. Operator stated when traveling at night on Caney that he usually travels toward a particular set of lights on the lake. Operator stated he mixed the lights up and was traveling towards the wrong set of lights. Operator also informed me that he was traveling on step fairly quick as he was trying to hurry and get home because the weather was cooling off. I observed the vessel on the embankment of the dam with just the motor and the stern in the water, throttle in neutral. There were 3 empty michelob ultra beer bottles in the vessel which Operator stated he consumed prior to the accident. I determined Operator to not be impaired. The Jackson Parish S.O. transported Operator to the annex on Jonesboro. Operator voluntarily submitted a proper sample at .022g% BAC into the Intoxilyzer 9000. I determined the contributing factors relating to this accident to be excessive speed for the night time visibilty conditions, restricted vision to the poor visibilty, and reckless operation due to the speed and poor visibilty. These are all major factors that resulted in this impact collision with the Caney Lake dam. 11 type III PFD's on vessel.
Caney Lake
Jonesboro                     