NEW ORLEANS, LA — Police in New Orleans recovered the body of a swimmer Tuesday morning from Lake Pontchartrain, two days after authorities said he drowned while swimming near Lakeshore Drive. The body was found at 9:40 a.m. near the 2000 block of Lakeshore Drive, close to the University of New Orleans.
Officials said the man was reported missing Sunday afternoon near the 1800 block of Lakeshore Drive. He had been swimming with another person when the drowning was reported.
Search halted after rough water and alligator sighting
Drones and dive teams searched for the swimmer after the Sunday call, but authorities later stopped the operation because of hazardous water conditions and the presence of a large alligator.
NOPD Capt. Preston Bax Jr. said the department’s thoughts were with the family and that search operations had to be conducted safely and professionally.
Coroner to release cause of death after autopsy
The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy and will determine the cause of death once that work is finished. Police said the victim will not be identified until the family has been notified.
Second Lake Pontchartrain drowning in recent days
Police said the death was the second drowning in Lake Pontchartrain in the last few days. The case remains under investigation as officials complete the coroner’s review…