Man drowns in Diversion Canal

A Maurepas man drowned Monday in the Amite River Diversion Canal, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Roland LeBeau, 79, reportedly was casting nets into the canal from a boat on the Ascension Parish side when he got tangled in the nets and fell overboard.

Firefighters from the St. Amant Volunteer Fire Department were the first to respond to the scene and they were able to pull LeBeau out of the water.

Witnesses told investigators he had been in the water for several minutes.

Emergency responders were unable to revive the man.

Wildlife and Fisheries is investigating what is being called an accidental drowning.