Death on Ouachita

[Arkie John]

I knew better than to go fishing the day after a front moves through. But I went anyway thinking since the water was cooler that the fish might actually bite.

The blue-bird day held true to form. I was out there most of the day and the crappie had absolute lock-jaw. But all of the above was not to matter in a few minutes.

At 6:00pm I heard a siren chirp a couple of times from across the way at the Twin Creeks boat ramp. I just kept fishing until dark. I figured it was a ranger attempting to corral some drunk or something. But when I DID return, there before me was a sight that no one wants to see...or even think about--especially me--a former Corps of Engineers employee.

It seems that a man, fishing alone, had just set out trotlines and was heading back to his campsite at Denby point in his mid-sized flat-bottom, which was powered by a forty-horse Johnson. He was traveling at a fast clip along the north shore just east of Twin Creeks when he hit a large floating log.

The tiller-steered boat had plastic pedestal chairs installed fore and aft and they didn't help matters any. Upon impact, the fisherman was thrown from the boat. The boat went into a powered death spin, hitting the fisherman at least once. I don't know if he died of trauma or drowning, but somebody's grandfather; somebody's father and husband is dead, either way.

The kill switch was not engaged and although there were two personal flotation devices in the boat, neither were being worn. There was no other boat around immediately and people from shore were helpless to assist...until it was too late.

After the sheriff had departed, I asked the fish cops, 'what about his boat?' They weren't too concerned. "If you leave it here, it will be pilfered by the morning, you know. We can't allow that." The young officers looked befuddled. "Tell you what. I'm going to Denby and I'll find Mr. Weston's campsite, drop my boat and trailer and pick his trailer up and will recover his boat myself, if necessary." Off I went. It was now 8:30pm.

It was a process of elimination. I talked to several people and finally found the campsite. The 3500 series Ram truck was open. A checkbook on the front seat verified it to be the correct site. I latched on to the trailer and headed back to Twin Creeks. I handed the trailer off to the fish cops when they finally came up with a plan to store the boat at the Forest Service (protected) lot. Then, it was home, for a very late supper.

***************************

I know you all love fishing or you wouldn't be reading this forum , but I hope you love your family more--enough to employ the safety devices required by law on any Corps Lake.

This old gentleman was a local and had no doubt--fished Ouachita many, many times. It must have been his "home lake" as it is mine. But we cannot get too lax about safety, even on the lake we know so well.

The Corps has built beautiful lakes all over this great country and God has given each of us a noodle and He expects us to USE it. Please be safe when pursuing this wonderful, God-given sport we call fishing.

I hope each of you had a better fishing day than I did. <><

aj

[LMBarnett]

It may be a law on Corps lakes, but in 2003 (I think) AGFC passed a reg that if your boat is equiped with a kill switch, it "MUST" be attached to yourself while under power. http://www.agfc.com/!userfiles/pdfs/.../ao_071603.pdf

And always wear your PFD while under power, it might be uncomfortable, but sure beats the alternative.

[LMBarnett]

I forgot to add, Thanks for doing that for the guy's family. Not many of us would have thought that.

[Arg]

Arkie John,

The good lord will return what a wonderful thing you did for that family. That is watching out for your fellow man. I know it is the last thing that you are wanting to do at that hour but it takes a special person to follow thru with it. I have not met you yet Arkie, but you are a person I would want as a friend.

[JohnR]

Arkie John,

God bless. Very nice thing to do.

[CastandBlast]

That was a real tragedy . Your help to strangers is a lesson for us all. Thanks for posting.

[boatstall]

AJ, that had to be a very difficult evening. Amazing that there are not procedures in place for handling and securing the personal effects of a victim of such an accident. Walking away wasn't an option for you, and I THANK YOU. Shows that you had some real positive "home training".

Glad you didn't completely "retire" from public service. Thanks again, you've got a spot in my boat anytime.

boatstall

[Arkie John]

Thanks for your posts, guys! Those kinds of days just make you appreciate the good ones.

You know, it's the least I could do for Mr Weston's family. He was in his late 70's and could have lived a few more years enjoying the best life has to offer -- fishing on Lake Ouachita -- and watching his grandkids grow up -- only if he'd been a little safety conscious.

Y'all be careful out there and gimme some good reports. The water's nearing 65 degrees and the fall frenzy will be ON! <><

aj

"He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds."

[slabbandit]

Hey Arkie John, That was a wonderful thing that you did for his family. I saw a young man run off the hwy and roll to his death down the mountain as I was fishing before daylight one morning. I was the only witness ands called 911. Then I ended up helping the guys put him in the bodybag and carry him out. Someone's 21 year old son, ejected and killed, no seatbelt in use.

[luvpt]

Arkie John,

There is a pair of wings waiting for you in heaven. Thank God we still have good samaritans like you who aren't too busy to get involved. It takes integrity.

LuvPT