Update:
The body of 55 year old Kenneth Gibson was recovered near the Lake Bistineau dam by searchers at around 8:30am this morning when efforts to locate him resumed. The body was located an estimated 250 yards from the dam. Gibson’s family was notified of the recovery and the body was turned over to the Bossier Parish Coroner’s Office.
Sheriff Whittington would like to thank all of the agencies involved in the search and rescue efforts.
Original notice:
Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington says that a 55-year-old Ringgold man drowned near the Lake Bistineau dam around 1pm on Tuesday afternoon. The man, identified by family members as Kenneth Gibson, was fishing near the dam with his nephew when they decided to attempt to cross a rock shelf with swift water flowing over it. The two men lost their footing and both fell into the fast-moving water. K. Gibson’s nephew was able to swim to the bank and get out of the water. K. Gibson was swept into a canal below the dam with swirling water and never resurfaced.
Bossier deputies were called to the scene to help with search and rescue efforts along with South Bossier Fire District, Bienville Fire District, La. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents, Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office and other agencies. Despite their efforts, searchers were unable to locate Gibson’s body. The search was called off for the night but will continue at 6:30am on Wednesday.
