Body of One Louisiana Man Recovered, Crews Still Searching for Two More in Fatal Boating Incident

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported on June 27, 2022, that their Enforcement Division is investigating a fatal boating incident that occurred in Livingston Parish on June 26.

An update to this story has been published. Update: Bodies of Two More Louisiana Men Recovered After June 26 Fatal Boating Incident

Around 4 p.m., agents were notified of three missing boaters at the mouth of the Blind River, which feeds into Lake Maurepas. LDWF agents, along with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Livingston Parish Fire Department, and the Lake Maurepas Fire Department, began searching the area immediately.

On June 27, around 9:45 a.m., search and rescue personnel discovered the body of Michael Bryant, 48, of Denham Springs, Louisiana. His body was turned over to the Coroner’s Office in Livingston Parish.

Zachary LeDuff, 18, of Greenwell Springs, Louisiana, and Zane Bryant, 20, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, remain missing.

Agents learned that LeDuff was swimming when he became distressed. Zane Bryant attempted to save LeDuff, but he became distressed as well. Michael Bryant then attempted to save both LeDuff and Zane Bryant, but was unsuccessful, and the three men never appeared again.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will lead the investigation into this fatal boating incident. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) were not worn by the three men.