The body found in the Vermillion River Tuesday night has been identified as David Mayeaux, 74, of Lafayette.
Police say he fell into the water and his death is listed as an accidental drowning.
Authorities found Mayeaux's lawn mower and shoes near the edge of the bank of the Vermilion river, behind his home.
Which were factors that determine the cause of death, as an accidental drowning.
KATC spoke with the man's neighbors-- who saw him-- moments before.
Teresa Pastor lived right next door to David Mayeaux since 2013.
Her family was just out the door on Tuesday morning...
"He was cutting in the front, you can see the line where he started and I guess he just went to the back and had that accident,” Pastor said.
When they saw Mayeaux on his lawn mower—which they say was unusual.
“It was just kind of the ongoing joke because he always cuts grass at night, like 10 o'clock at night so they were just pointing out that he was cutting grass during the day for a change. So that's that's why they remember that he was there,” Pastor said.
"I could see an accident like that happening just because he you know, he's older he couldn't get around as well as he used to get around. But you know, it's unfortunate."
Pastor says she'll always remember him for being so kind hearted and thoughtful.
"He was a sweet neighbor, he would take care of us too. Every once in a while, he'd bring us food. If we were having a tough time or something he he'd know he'd come by and he'd bring us some stuff," Pastor shared.
"And I'm just sorry, that something that tragic would happen that quickly, you know, I guess, life is short, you know, we have to enjoy every moment."
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Around 8:25 p.m. Lafayette Police Department responded to a complaint of a body floating in the Vermilion River.
It was later discovered, the body was that of an older white male. The body was located near the Juvenile Detention Center.
The identity of the male is still unknown and cause of death is pending awaiting autopsy.
