The remains of a young child was discovered on Monday, miles away from the Louisiana sandbar where he was washed away by the Sabine River while playing in shallow water and three men drowned attempting to save him, according to the sheriff.
Sheriff Mark Herford of Beauregard Parish did not disclose the boy’s name or age, but described him as very young.
He recognized Troy M. McCollough, who resided nearby in the Junction community, Kelly Bailey of Hornbeck, and Austin Scott of DeRidder as the men who drowned while attempting to save him. The sheriff stated that Bailey was engaged to the boy’s mother and that Scott was his best buddy. Herford stated that McCollough was coincidentally present.
Herford stated, “They are heroes and should be recognized as such.”
The river swept away a child who was playing in shallow water near a sandbar in Merryville, according to Herford. His remains was discovered on Monday in a location Herford estimated to be several miles downstream.
Sheriff stated that he is collaborating with the parish police jury to erect warning signs.
“Since 1992, I’ve been with the sheriff’s office. I can’t count the number of times I’ve stood in this precise area and responded to drownings, he said, adding, “That spot is dangerous.”
The velocity and depth are significantly affected by the amount of energy produced by Toledo Bend, and a week of rain made the current considerably stronger than typical, according to Herford.
He stated that one death was discovered late Saturday night and two more early Sunday morning.