A tragic boating incident in Jefferson Parish has claimed the life of a Westwego man. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents reported that Mark A. Barrios, aged 69, was involved in a fatal boating accident in Marcello Canal early on Thursday. According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ announcement, Barrios’ body was retrieved by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office at approximately 10:30 a.m. on the day of the incident.
The circumstances surrounding Barrios’ death are still under investigation, but early findings suggest he may have hit an object with his aluminum vessel, leading to the fatal outcome. His personal flotation device, unfortunately, was not being worn at the time his body was found, possibly an oversight proving catastrophic. The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office is tasked with determining the official cause of Barrios’ demise, as his body was transferred there post-recovery.
In the ongoing investigation led by LDWF, no further details about what might have been struck by Barrios’ 16-foot boat have been disclosed. The accident has shed light on the vital importance of water safety measures, particularly the use of personal flotation devices while boating. LDWF is the primary investigative body for such boating incidents and will provide updates as the investigation progresses…