What began as a day on the water turned into a heartbreaking recovery effort after 18-year-old Jonis Warren of St. Tammany Parish disappeared while tubing on the Bogue Chitto River near Covington.
According to authorities, emergency crews were called to the river shortly before 2 p.m. after reports that Warren had gone under the water and failed to resurface. Friends and witnesses watched as the situation quickly shifted from a recreational outing to a desperate search.
Deputies with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office rushed to the scene after receiving the call at approximately 1:44 p.m. Search efforts began immediately as responders worked to locate the missing teenager.
The recovery operation involved multiple agencies and volunteers. Members of the District Six Fire Department, EMTs with Northshore Ambulance, and a diver equipped with sonar technology joined deputies in the search. Crews carefully worked sections of the river while hoping for a different outcome.
As the hours passed, authorities continued using every available resource to locate Warren. Search teams focused their efforts on the area where he was last seen before disappearing beneath the water.
Later in the day, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed the news no family ever wants to hear. Warren’s body had been recovered from the river.
The tragedy has left family members, friends, and members of the local community grieving the loss of a young man whose life ended far too soon. Many are now reflecting on how quickly an ordinary summer outing can turn into a devastating event.
Officials have not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather details.
