Arnaudville Man Dies After Boating Accident In St. Landry Parish

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries recovered the body of a 22-year-old Arnaudville man in the water in St. Landry Parish after a boating accident.

LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says Arron Baber and the driver of the boat were traveling on Bayou D’Arbonne when the vessel hit a railroad bridge piling.

“When they stuck the piling the person that was in the front of the vessel was ejected and hit the piling and then also entered the water. The operator of the vessel was able to swim to the other side of the bank.”

Einck says a witness on the shore was able to call authorities after seeing the accident and neither Baber nor the driver were wearing life jackets when they struck the piling. He says they’re not sure if impairment is a factor.

“We’re not 100% suspectful at this time that alcohol was a cause. As protocol for every boating incident we do take toxicology tests on both occupants in the vessel and we’re waiting for those results.”