** UPDATE **
The pilot was identified as Omar Fouad El-Aazami, 54, of Lumberton, Miss. The passenger was identified as Dr. Jan Marie Villemarette, 48, of Houma.
“I am grateful to the Dularge Fire Department and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for their assistance in the location and recovery efforts,” Sheriff Soignet said. “I also wish to extend my condolences to the families of the victims. Please know that you are all in my prayers during this painful time.”
On Friday, Oct. 16, shortly before noon, Terrebonne Parish Water Patrol agents were dispatched to a report of a downed aircraft.
Using coordinates supplied to dispatchers, agents began a search.
They were aided by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Dularge Fire Department.
The wreckage of a single-engine fixed wing aircraft was located near Lake Hatch. Patrol boats and airboats were utilized. The Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit and Detective Bureau also responded.
The bodies of two adults were recovered and released to the Terrebonne Parish Coroner. The identities of the victims are not being released at this time pending notifications of relatives.
No other people were on board.
Investigations will be conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
