Louisiana Man Sentenced to Prison for Boating Crash that Killed One and Injured Four

Louisiana – According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), on January 27 in St. Charles Parish, a Hahnville, Louisiana resident was convicted of vehicular homicide and four counts of first-degree vehicular negligent injuring and sentenced to eight years in prison.

Kevin Comardelle, 25, was sentenced to 20 years in prison with 12 years suspended by 29th District Court Judge Timothy Marcel. While incarcerated, Comardelle is also required to attend impaired driving and addiction classes. Following his release, he will be on probation for five years and must participate in an alcohol monitoring program. Comardelle was also fined $2,000 and ordered to repay the victims.

Comardelle pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and four counts of first-degree negligent injuring on October 31, 2022, following a two-vessel boating incident on Bayou Des Allemands on July 4, 2020. Several passengers were seriously injured, and Audrey Higgins, 36, of Luling, Louisiana, died as a result of the crash.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents were notified of the fatal vessel incident shortly after the collision on July 4, 2020, at 9:26 p.m.

Agents determined that Comardelle collided with another vessel while driving under the influence after an extensive investigation. On September 21, 2020, he was apprehended.

A hearing to determine the monetary value of victim restitution has been scheduled.

The LDWF Enforcement Division was the primary investigative agency in this case. The state was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Juan Byrd and William Starr.