An 80-year-old Arkansas man died in an incident on Friday at a former gravel pit in the Isabel area.
Wade Jones was the victim. He likely died from drowning, but a family member said a heart attack was also possible.
He was seen swimming underneath the surface of the water, but he never resurfaced.
The death occurred at a former gravel pit at Lake Isabel Farm, a day beach operation located on Caverham Road, just east of Choctaw Road in the Isabel area.
The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office said it received the emergency call at 2:20 p.m. Friday and the first deputy arrived at the scene at 2:39 p.m.
First responders from three volunteer fire departments were called in and the body of Mr. Jones was recovered at 5:10 p.m.
The Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation to Fire District 4, Fire District 6, and Fire District 7 for responding. Mark Michaud of Southeast Louisiana Underwater Search and Recovery was also thanked by the Sheriff’s Office.
The former gravel pit at Lake Isabel Farm is fed by a spring, producing clearer and bluer water than in some other former gravel pits. The water reportedly is more than 40 feet deep at some points. The day beach operation has a life jacket policy and swimmers are advised that they are swimming at their own risk.
