On 03/21/23, Trinity County Game Warden received a call at approximately 07:30pm from Trinity County Sheriff’s office. Trinity County dispatch reported that fisherman had launched a boat from his home at approximately 1:00 pm and still had not return home. Subject was fishing on Lake Livingston (0451). Family and Wife state that he was running his trot lines north of the US Highway 190 bridge and provided search team with specific areas he generally fished. Wife did state that he did have heart problems and that a doctor said he could have a heart attack or stroke at any time.

Warden immediately grabbed a patrol vessel and launched the vessel at the Hawg Heaven boat ramp. Trinity County Sheriff’s office Sgt. assisted Warden. Trinity Fire Department arrived with search and rescue boat. Onalaska fire also responded and launched their search and rescue vessel closer to the US HWY 190 bridge. Sherriff requested air assistance from TX DPS aviation unit. Multiple agencies and police departments also assisted.

Warden with the assistance of Trinity County Sheriffs Office, Trinity Fire Department, Onalaska Fire Department, and TX DPS Aviation unit searched North of US Highway 190 bridge searching for Subject's vessel. Water conditions were very rough and wind at some times was almost 20 MPH. The search team worked for several hours and at approximately 11:30pm the search was called off. Water conditions were unsafe for most search team vessels. TX DPS aviation had no success as well.

On 03/22/23 at approximately 08:00am, the search team continued the search and water conditions were much more favorable. TX DPS aviation searched for several hours with no success. The search team consisted of about 4-5 vessels, some of which were neighbors and friends. 

Game Wardens and Sheriff interviewed multiple friends and family members in attempt to narrow his fishing locations. Family and Friends added that he usually never wears a life jacket and keeps them in the front bay compartment. Wife added that he kept at TYPE IV throwable close by. Wardens and deputies checked most trot lines in the area with no success locating.

At approximately 10:30am, Trinity County Sheriffs Office utilizing the Trinity Fire Department vessel located Subject floating north of some fishing trot lines, north of the US Highway 190 Bridge. Subject had Identification on himself and was wearing a TYPE III personal floatation device. 

Subject vessel was not located and possibly capsized and sunk. 

Subject was taken to Hawg Heaven boat ramp where Trinity County JP  was on site. 

Wardens and search team suspect that due to the windy weather conditions that his vessel may have taken on water and capsized. It is unknown if he was wearing a PFD because the lake was so rough, or if he began to capsize and put it on. Investigators also do not know if death resulted in heart attack. An autopsy report has been requested due to his heart condition.

Subject also had a Certificate of Number in his Wallet. Based on the investigation this was the vessel that was utilized. Subject was transported to Pace Funeral Home in Livingston.
0451 LIVINGSTON
Trinity                       