Dewain Dee was a beloved husband, father, friend, and co-worker who lost his life in a boating accident on Vernon Lake, Louisiana, on January 28, 2024. His body was recovered the next day after an extensive search involving multiple agencies and volunteers.
This article will explore what actually happened to Dewain Dee, how his family and friends are coping with his loss, and what lessons can be learned from this tragic incident.
What Happened to Dewain Dee?
According to the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office (VPSO), Dewain Dee went boating on Vernon Lake, near Anacoco, on Saturday morning. He was alone on his boat and did not have a life jacket on. Around 9 a.m., the VPSO received a report of a possible drowning near the lake. Deputies and agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) responded to the scene and found Dee’s boat floating unoccupied. They also found some personal items belonging to Dee on the shore.
The VPSO immediately launched a search and rescue operation, with the assistance of the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Alexandria Fire Department, and the Vernon Parish Fire District 1. They used boats, drones, sonar, and divers to comb the lake for any signs of Dee. They also received help from local residents and fishermen who knew the area well.
The search continued throughout the day and night, but there was no trace of Dee. The weather conditions were cold and windy, making the search more difficult and dangerous. The VPSO said that the water temperature was around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which could cause hypothermia in a matter of minutes.
On Sunday morning, around 10:30 a.m., the searchers finally found Dee’s body in the water, about 150 yards from where his boat was located. The VPSO confirmed that Dee had died and that his body was sent to the coroner’s office for an autopsy. The cause of death has not been officially released yet, but the VPSO said that it appeared to be an accidental drowning. The LDWF is investigating the incident and will determine if any boating safety violations occurred.
How Are Dewain Dee’s Family and Friends Reacting to His Death?
Dewain Dee’s death has shocked and saddened his family, friends, co-workers, and community. He was 45 years old and worked as a mechanic at Precision Tune Auto Care in Leesville. He was married to his wife, Jennifer, for 23 years and had two sons, Dylan and Dalton. He was also a devoted Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church of Anacoco.
Dee’s family and friends described him as a kind, generous, funny, and hard-working man who loved his family, his job, and his hobbies. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and spending time outdoors. He was always ready to help anyone in need and had a positive attitude towards life.
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Dee’s co-workers at Precision Tune Auto Care said that he was a great mechanic and a great friend. He was always cheerful, respectful, and professional. He had a passion for cars and was always eager to learn new skills and techniques. He was also a mentor and a leader to the younger mechanics. He was well-liked and respected by his customers and his colleagues.
Dee’s family and friends have been sharing their memories and tributes to him on social media. They have also been receiving messages of condolences and support from people who knew him or heard about his story. They have expressed their gratitude for the prayers and the help they received during the search and after the recovery of Dee’s body.
Dee’s funeral service was held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at the First Baptist Church of Anacoco. He was laid to rest at the Mitchell Cemetery in Anacoco. His family and friends said that they will miss him dearly and that they will always remember him as a loving husband, father, friend, and brother.
What Can We Learn from Dewain Dee’s Death?
Dewain Dee’s death is a tragic reminder of the dangers of boating and the importance of boating safety. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 4,168 boating accidents in the U.S. in 2023, resulting in 613 deaths, 2,559 injuries, and $55 million in property damage. The leading causes of boating accidents were operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, machinery failure, and excessive speed. The leading causes of boating deaths were drowning, trauma, carbon monoxide poisoning, hypothermia, and cardiac arrest. The most common types of vessels involved in boating accidents were open motorboats, personal watercraft, and cabin motorboats.
The U.S. Coast Guard also reported that 79% of boating deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had not received boating safety instruction. Only 20% of boating deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had received a nationally approved boating safety education certificate. Moreover, 86% of boating deaths involved victims who were not wearing a life jacket.
These statistics show that boating safety education and life jacket use are crucial for preventing boating accidents and deaths. The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all boaters take a boating safety course, wear a life jacket at all times, avoid alcohol and drugs, check the weather and water conditions, have a float plan, carry a marine radio and a cell phone, and follow the navigation rules and the state and local regulations.
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Dewain Dee’s death also shows that boating accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, experience, or skill level. Therefore, boaters should always be prepared, alert, and cautious when they go out on the water. They should also respect the power and unpredictability of nature and never underestimate the risks involved in boating.
Dewain Dee was a man who loved boating and who died doing what he loved. His death is a tragedy that has touched many hearts and minds. His life is a legacy that will inspire many people to live with kindness, generosity, humor, and passion. His story is a lesson that will teach many people to value boating safety, life, and family. He will be remembered and missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, Dewain Dee.
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