The identity of the body recovered near the Butte La Rose boat launch off of I-10 on Thursday has been released.
Authorities say, Robert L. Julien, 46, of Opelousas, was attempting to load his jet ski onto a trailer when he fell off and never resurfaced.
Agents were notified of a Julien around 5 p.m. and discovered his body within the hour.
Lt. Lance Devillier with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said this all happened after a long day on the water.
"He and his companion had come back at the end of the day to load up. He made a big wide circle and was coming back towards the trailer. For unknown reasons, he accelerated and fell off the jet ski. The jet ski went one way; he never resurfaced," Devillier said.
Other boaters in the area told KATC they tried to help with the search and rescue, but the man’s body was recovered shortly after.
