Two young brothers died after a “heartbreaking” drowning incident in Livingston Parish over the weekend, authorities say.
In a statement, Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard said deputies were dispatched to Deer Lakes Trail around 12:30 a.m. Saturday to assist with an apparent drowning. The neighborhood has an Independence address, but is in the parish of Livingston.
Ard said the brothers, who were not identified by name but were 6 and 9 years old, respectively, were seen walking near the neighborhood pond, but noted it was unclear “how or why they ended up in the water.”
“But once in the water, they didn’t immediately resurface,” Ard said.
The sheriff said numerous first responders from multiple agencies “worked tirelessly” to save the brothers. He also asked the public to keep the family “in your thoughts and prayers.
In their own release, Livingston Parish Fire Protection District 2 officials, who responded to the incident, said there was “a lot of grief for the family and friends.”
“This was a very heartbreaking scene to respond to,” the fire department said. “So sad for the family and friends.
“Please keep the family and everyone answered in your prayers.”
Ard said the investigation is ongoing.
