Body of Missing Pearl River Boater Recovered

At around 8:30 AM this morning (Wednesday, December 9, 2021), agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) recovered a body from the Pearl River. The body was located near a section of the river known as Red Bluff, which is located at least a mile downriver from the Poole’s Bluff sill.

The body, presumed to be Eric Josh Williams, was turned over to the Washington Parish Coroner's Office. The body of the other boater, Joe Newby, was recovered soon after the boating accident.

Sheriff Randy Seal expressed his appreciation for all who were involved in the search. “I am so grateful for all who were involved in the search process. Our officers, along with LDWF, St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office and representatives of the Cajun Navy, spent many hours on the river as they searched for the body. I express my sincere condolences to the families of the two men and I hope this final recovery brings some solace to them.”

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