The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents are investigating a fatal boating incident that occurred in St. Mary Parish on July 23.

The body of Jimmy Ruff Sr., of Bayou Lourse, was turned over to the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office after he was involved in a fatal boating incident.

According to a prepared statement, agents received a call around 4 a.m. on July 23 about a fatal boating incident in Bayou Chene. The operator of the vessel said he and Ruff were returning from fishing and were heading home when they saw the flood control lock lights ahead of them and started to slow down.

While slowing down they hit something in the water that caused Ruff to be propelled forward in the vessel. As a result of the incident, Ruff was incapacitated and unresponsive.

The operator immediately called for help and headed to the Amelia Boat Launch. Ruff was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

The LDWF Enforcement Division will be the lead investigative agency for this fatal boating incident.