The community of Deville, Louisiana, is mourning the tragic death of 45-year-old Gregory S. Kile, who lost his life in a devastating boating accident on the Red River. The incident has left family, friends, and neighbors struggling to cope with a sudden loss that unfolded during what began as a routine night on the water.
According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the accident occurred on April 18 in Rapides Parish near the Buhlow Recreational Landing. Officials said three boaters launched onto the Red River around 9 p.m. shortly before their vessel struck a rock jetty just after entering the waterway.
The impact caused the boat to capsize and sink, throwing all three occupants into the river. Investigators said two of the individuals were able to swim to safety and quickly call for help. However, Kile was unable to escape the water and went missing shortly after the crash.
A large, coordinated search effort was launched to locate him. The operation involved multiple agencies, including the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Pineville Fire Department, Alexandria Fire Department, and the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. Crews worked through difficult conditions in an emotional recovery effort that lasted several hours.
Kile’s body was recovered from the Red River on April 20 at approximately 8 a.m. Authorities confirmed that none of the three boaters were wearing personal flotation devices at the time of the accident. Officials said this detail remains an important part of the ongoing investigation into what led to the tragedy.
As news of his death spread, the Deville community was left in deep mourning. Loved ones described the loss as heartbreaking, remembering Kile as someone whose life ended far too soon in a sudden and violent accident on the water. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has extended condolences to his family and friends, urging the public to keep them in their thoughts during this time of profound grief as the investigation continues.