St. Mary Parish, Louisiana - A tragic boating incident in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, has resulted in the death of 62-year-old Jimmy Ruff Sr. of Bayou L'Ourse, Louisiana. The incident occurred on July 23, when Ruff Sr. and another individual were returning from a fishing trip on Bayou Chene.

According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the operator of the vessel reported that they were heading home when they saw the flood control lock lights ahead of them and began to slow down. However, while slowing down, the vessel struck an unknown object in the water, causing Ruff Sr. to be propelled forward and leaving him incapacitated and unresponsive.

The operator immediately called for help and navigated the vessel to the Amelia Boat Launch, where Ruff Sr. was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. The LDWF Enforcement Division is leading the investigation into the fatal boating incident.

The body of Ruff Sr. was turned over to the St. Mary Parish Coroner's Office.

The LDWF Enforcement Division will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.