LIVINGSTON — The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries continues to investigate a deadly boat crash on the Tickfaw River as a criminal investigation.
Shortly after midnight on July 28, a 25-foot pontoon party barge and a 25-foot Sea Fox boat collided near Kings Point in Livingston Parish on the Tickfaw River.
Thuy Gustin and Chase Sharkey, who was driving the pontoon, died in the collision. Six others, three from each boat, were taken to North Oaks Hospital in Hammond with injuries ranging from broken bones to head injuries. Four people remain hospitalized, Sgt. Randy Lanoux with LDWF told UWK.
Officials told UWK that investigators are waiting for toxicology screenings from Sharkey and the driver of the Sea Fox, which is standard protocol in deadly crashes. The results could take a few weeks. Among the potential charges in this case is DWI.
“We’re just really starting the investigation,” Lanoux said. “It’s not like a road crash where you get skid marks. A lot of times we have to recover evidence, and that takes a while.”
Lanoux says agents had to use a crane to remove the Sea Fox from the Tickfaw Sunday evening. He says that agents are performing forenics on both the Sea Fox and pontoon.
LDWF is leading the investigation into the fatal boating incident. The Livingston Parish Coroner’s Office will determine the exact cause of death for the two victims. UWK reached out Tuesday and were told that their findings are still pending.
“Navigating at night is a very dangerous activity; you’ve got to be careful. You have to pay attention,” Lanoux said. “It’s not like during the day. Depth perception is off. Traffic that night was very light; there was hardly any traffic. Basically, you had two boats on the river, and those two boats collided.”
“Please be patient with us. We’re going to find out (what happened) and take whatever action (necessary).”
Remembering the victims
Gustin, 31, recently of Springfield, leaves behind her husband and two young children.
“Thuy was a beautiful person inside and out. She was the light and love of many people lives. She was known for her outgoing spirit, kindness and beings a great mother, she instantly lit up any room she walked in,” family and friends of Gustin said.
Gustin was trapped under the capsized vessel. An LDWF agent and a good Samaritan jumped into the water and recovered her body.
“The agent and the good samaritan then performed CPR in an attempt to revive her until Acadian Ambulance arrived on the scene,” LDWF said in a Sunday news release. Agents said she was transported to North Oaks Hospital, where she did not survive her injuries.
Sharkey, 36, of Greensburg, also died in the crash. He was the founder of Sharkey Mechanical Services, LLC.
“His legacy of love, laughter, and friendship will never fade,” Sharkey Mechanical Services posted on Facebook. “Chase’s unwavering passion for his craft left an indelible mark on everyone he met, and his work ethic was unmatched. We will miss him dearly, but we will continue to thrive in his honor and the legacy he has built. Please continue to keep The Sharkey Family in prayers as they navigate through this process.”
LDWF reported that no one was wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the collision.
“I’ve worked repeated accidents over the years; life jackets save lives,” Lanoux said. “A lot of people overestimate their swimming ability. Yeah, you can swim fine in a swimming pool, but when you’re not prepared to be thrown into the water and you’re thrown into the water and you’re injured, it’s going to have a bad outcome. Life jackets save lives.”
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