The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries told us search crews have found the body of a missing boater in Catahoula Lake.
The search started on Saturday afternoon around 4:30 after witnesses said they saw a boat suddenly accelerate and eject the operator into the water.
LDWF, along with Rapides, Lasalle, and Grant Parish Sheriff's Offices, as well as Pineville and Alexandria Fire Departments searched until around 7:30 Saturday evening.
They started searching again on Sunday morning, and around 10 a.m., divers with the help of cadaver dog, Nitro, were able to find the boater.
According to RPSO, he is Ryan Reed, 26, of Lafayette. His body was turned over to the Rapides Parish Coroner's Office.
“Our sincerest sympathies go out to Ryan’s family and friends in this unfortunate tragedy” said Sheriff William Earl Hilton. “We ask for prayers of comfort for everyone involved in this operation.“
Other agencies that assisted in the search are Deville Volunteer Fire Department, Rapides Parish Fire District 2, and Acadian Ambulance.