Body of Missing Boater Found in Red River
RAPIDES PARISH, La. (KPEL-FM) – A tragic discovery was made on Monday morning, April 20, when the body of a missing boater was recovered from the Red River in central Louisiana. The victim has been identified as 45-year-old Shane Gregory Kile from Deville, Louisiana. Authorities have turned his remains over to the Rapides Parish Coroner’s Office for an official cause of death determination.
Search Efforts Mobilized After Boater Reported Missing
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) received reports of a missing boater around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. In response, a multi-agency search operation was launched, involving the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Pineville Fire Department, the Alexandria Fire Department, and the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. These agencies worked tirelessly to locate Kile, whose absence was reported shortly after a boating accident.
Witnesses indicated that Kile and two other boaters had departed from the Buhlow Recreational Landing around 9 p.m. on Saturday. Shortly after setting out, their vessel struck a rock jetty, leading to a capsizing incident that forced all three occupants into the water. While two of the boaters managed to swim to safety and call for help, Kile did not resurface. It was later confirmed that none of the three individuals were wearing life jackets at the time of the accident, raising concerns about boating safety practices in the area.
Investigation Underway Following Fatal Incident
The LDWF Enforcement Division is currently leading the investigation into this tragic boating accident. As authorities work to piece together the events that led to the capsizing, they are also emphasizing the importance of safety measures on the water. The absence of personal flotation devices among the boaters has prompted discussions about the need for stricter adherence to safety regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Shane Gregory Kile, a reminder of the potential dangers associated with boating. Local officials urge all boaters to prioritize safety and ensure they are equipped with the necessary safety gear before heading out on the water.
