Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents are investigating a fatal single vessel boating incident involving a father and son in Ascension Parish.
A 20 foot aluminum vessel being operated by Patrick White, 53, of Sorrento, with Caleb White, 27, of Sorrento, as a passenger hit a bulkhead on the Amite River around 9 p.m. on May 12. Patrick White sustained minor injuries whereas Caleb White sustained fatal injuries.
According to Patrick White, the two left to go boating in the morning and were returning from their trip when he hit a bulkhead. It is believed that Caleb White was ejected from the boat and hit the bulkhead before ricocheting back into the boat.
An agent on patrol in the area found the vessel up against the bulkhead and was able to get the father and son into his vessel and call for an ambulance. Both father and son were responsive at this time.
The agent was able to get the men to the Hilltop Landing where Acadian Ambulance was waiting. Caleb White died on the way to the hospital.
Agents performed a field sobriety and breathalyzer test on Patrick White and he was found over the legal limit for alcohol. Agents arrested Patrick White for vehicular homicide, operating or driving a vessel while intoxicated (DWI) and reckless operation. Caleb White’s body was turned over to the Ascension Parish Coroner’s Office to determine an official cause of death.
Vehicular homicide brings a $2,000 to $15,000 fine and five to 30 years in prison. DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and 10 days to six months in jail. Reckless operation brings up to a $200 fine and 90 days in jail.