At approximately 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office was notified of a possible drowning on the Bogue Chitto River near the Washington Parish community of Isabel on Louisiana Highway 16.

The drowning victim was identified as Edmund Emerson Adams, 32, a native of Prairieville, and a current resident of New Orleans. Adams and a group of friends were tubing on the Bogue Chitto River at River Adventure, formerly known as Wayne’s World Tubing, when, according to others who were present, Adams lost control of his tube and disappeared beneath the surface of the water.

An intensive search began as soon as Sheriff’s Office personnel could respond to the scene, but searchers were unable to locate Adams’ body as of Thursday afternoon. The search was called off Wednesday at dark and resumed Thursday morning.

“It was with deep regret that we had to notify Mr. Adams’ parents of the tragic death of their son,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “I ask everyone to join with me in prayer for this wonderful family as they grieve over the loss of their son.”

Washington Parish Chief Deputy Mike Haley said Thursday family members were obviously devastated.

“The mother was totally hysterical when I talked to her Thursday morning,” Haley said. “The father was upset too, but I was able to talk with him. The family said they would try and come over here Thursday, but there is really nothing that they can do.”

Haley said the drowning happened at the same spot as another drowning in August 2013.

“It is basically the same spot where the first drowning was,” Haley said. “It was folks making poor decisions of mixing alcohol and the river. It is very dangerous to mix alcohol and the water. It seems alcohol is always involved in these tragedies.”

Adams was reportedly not wearing a life preserver. Haley cautioned tubers and others who frequently enjoy the river.

“I encourage people to be extremely careful when they go tubing,” he said.

Although the body had still not been found as of press time, Seal said the Sheriff’s Office intends to bring closure to the family.

“The search will continue until the body of Mr. Adams has been recovered,” Seal said.