A Louisiana minister died in a freak accident after being thrown from his boat and struck by a propeller.
Danny Harrison, 71, was ejected from his 16-foot vessel while on Lake Charles’ Calcasieu River around 8:30 p.m. local time on June 8, according to a news release from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Harrison’s boat collided with an object in the water, and the 40-horsepower vehicle circled the area unmanned until it struck him, according to an LDWF release.
According to the LDWF, Harrison was wearing a life jacket but not a “kill switch lanyard,” which is used to remotely turn off a boat’s engine if the driver is ejected. (The LDWF stated that a kill switch lanyard is technically required for a boat the size and power of the one Harrison was operating.)
Harrison’s online obituary described him as “the most skilled fisherman” who “never gave up his secret fishing spots.”
“He gave the absolute biggest and warmest hugs to everyone,” the obituary said, adding that Harrison was a licensed minister who was “committed to his calling.”
Harrison is survived by his spouse, children, and siblings. A memorial service was previously held in Lake Charles on June 12.
The LDWF’s Enforcement Division is still investigating the incident.
