You may not have heard of Theophile Bourgeois before. But to those in the fishing community, he was a true celebrity.
Bourgeois was known as a famous fisherman, fish guide, and outdoorsman in Louisiana. He often chartered his sea plane and boat to the islands near his home state.
He was also a regular guest on the radio show Outdoors with Don Dubuc, a popular hunting and fishing program.
Louisiana fishing charter pilot Theophile Bourgeois killed in seaplane crash https://t.co/3MdGrzLF0C pic.twitter.com/uB3Q9gnnBJ
— wdsu (@wdsu) August 19, 2019
Sadly, on Sunday (August 18), Bourgeois was killed in a plane crash that occurred in the Chandeleur Sound, which lies between Louisiana and the Chandeleur Islands.
According to WGNO News, the Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a call at 2:56 PM that Bourgeois’ company Bourgeois Fishing Charters had lost communication with the plane carrying Bourgeois and two others.
A Coast Guard helicopter crew flew out to the plane’s last known location, and eventually recovered Bourgeois and two others from the water. Bourgeois was declared deceased upon arrival at the University Medical Center in New Orleans.
UPDATE: Well-known fishing charter pilot Theophile Bourgeois was identified as the man killed in a seaplane crash today. https://t.co/p3uK3R622M
— NOLA.com (@NOLAnews) August 19, 2019
Acording to 4WWL News, the other two passengers survived the crash.
WGNO News says the cause of the crash is still under investigation. No details concerning a memorial or funeral for Bourgeois are known as of press time.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bourgeois’ family and friends. We’ll also be praying for the other two passengers to recover from their injuries.
May Bourgeois rest in peace.