LDWF: Son dies in boating accident, father faces charges

Bulkhead crash occurred on Amite River Saturday night

A 27-year-old Sorrento man died Saturday night after a boating accident on the Amite River in which his father was cited for vehicular homicide and operating a vessel while intoxicated, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Caleb White died on his way to the hospital after the 9 p.m. crash in Ascension Parish, the release states.

His father, Patrick White, 53, also of Sorrento, sustained minor injuries. According to White, the two left to go boating that morning in a 20-foot aluminum vessel and were returning when they hit the bulkhead. An agent on patrol in the area found the boat up against the bulkhead and was able to get the Whites into his vessel and called for an ambulance.  Both father and son were responsive at the time, the release states.

The agent transported the men to Hilltop Landing, where Acadian Ambulance was waiting — but Caleb White died on the way to the hospital, according to the release.

Agents performed a field sobriety and breathalyzer test on Patrick White and he was allegedly found over the legal limit for alcohol. He was arrested for vehicular homicide, operating or driving a vessel while intoxicated (DWI) and reckless operation, the release states.

Vehicular homicide brings a $2,000 to $15,000 fine and five to 30 years in prison.  DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and 10 days to six months in jail.  Reckless operation brings up to a $200 fine and 90 days in jail, the release states.