Victims identified after boat crash on Tickfaw River leaves two dead, six hurt

Editor’s note: This story has been corrected. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries updated the age of Thuy Gustin after the story was initially published.

LIVINGSTON PARISH, La. (BRPROUD) — The two victims killed in a boat crash on Tickfaw River Sunday afternoon have been identified.

According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, around 12:17 a.m., agents were responding to a two-vessel crash in the Tickfaw River near Kings Point. Upon arrival, agents found a 25-foot pontoon boat and a 25-foot Sea Fox boat turned over.

After investigating, agents discovered a female was trapped under the Sea Fox. A citizen and agents jumped in the water to rescue the female.

Agents identified her as Thuy Gustin, 31, of Springfield.

The citizens and agents were performing life-saving acts until paramedics arrived on the scene. The female was taken to a local hospital where she later was pronounced dead, according to LDWF.

LDWF agents, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Springfield Fire Department started looking for a 36-year-old male who was reportedly operating the pontoon boat. Agents discovered his body on Sunday afternoon. LDWF identified him as Chase Sharkey of Greensburg.

According to LDWF, six additional passengers were taken to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Each vessel had three passengers.

The cause of the crash is unknown at this time. A blood sample was taken from the operator of the Sea Fox. No passengers were wearing personal floatation devices at the time of the crash.

This is an ongoing investigation.