Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents are investigating a fatal boating incident that occurred in Bienville Parish on July 3.

The body Keshaun Garner, 20, of Bossier City, was recovered from Lake Bistineau around 9 a.m. this morning, July 4.  Searchers used sonar technology to locate the victim in about 11 feet of water.

LDWF agents were notified around 8 p.m. on July 3 about a missing boater in Lake Bistineau near Ringgold. Agents responded to the scene and searched throughout the night.  Several agencies worked together to locate the missing man including members of Bienville Parish rescue, South Bossier Fire Department, Natchitoches Parish and Red River Parish divers, and members of the Louisiana Deptartment of Wildlife and Fisheries.

It is unknown at this time how Garner entered the water.  Bienville Fire Chief Bobby Conly said, “We believe there were several people boat riding when the boat turned and the victim fell out, went down and never came up.”

He was not wearing a personal flotation device at the time he entered the water.

The operator of the vessel, Hayes M. Meek, 20, of Shreveport, was arrested for alleged operating or driving a vessel while intoxicated (DWI).

LDWF will be the lead investigative agency for this fatal boating incident. The investigation is still ongoing and further charges could be pending. Garner’s body was turned over to the Bienville Parish Coroner’s Office.

DWI on the water brings a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.

This is the second person to drown at Lake Bistineau in just over a month.  On June 1, 2021, 15-year-old Hayden “Lane” Mangum drowned while boating near the Bistineau dam.

The Bienville Parish Journal sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Garner.

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