Timothy Carey, 24, Tragically Drowns in Amite River Near Baton Rouge

The Baton Rouge community is in mourning following the heartbreaking death of 24-year-old Timothy Carey, who drowned in the Amite River on Saturday afternoon. Carey, a young man with his whole life ahead of him, was swept under the strong currents while attempting to swim across the river near the BREC’s Frenchtown Road Conservation Area. Eyewitnesses reported that Carey seemed to be making steady progress at first, but midway through the swim, he began to struggle. The current, reportedly stronger than usual, quickly became too much for Carey to handle, leading to his tragic demise. This incident has left family, friends, and local residents in deep sorrow.

The Amite River, a popular spot for outdoor activities in the region, has seen several tragic incidents over the years. In June 2021, Keith Hilliard, 54, drowned while tubing on the river during a Father’s Day weekend trip. His family was awarded $4.9 million in a wrongful death lawsuit against Tiki Tubing, the company that provided the tubing services. The family alleged that the company was negligent in providing safety equipment and adequately warning customers about the river’s dangers. Following this incident, Livingston Parish enacted ordinances requiring companies operating on the river to offer life jackets and provide safety information to customers.(BR Proud, https://www.wafb.com)

In another tragic incident in September 2024, Dustin Gore, 29, and Trent Kelly, 27, died in a boating accident on the Upper Amite River. The two men were involved in a crash with a tree while boating, leading to their deaths. A third individual was rescued and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. This incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with the Amite River and the need for increased safety measures.(Louisiana Sportsman)

The Amite River has long been a source of recreation and enjoyment for residents and visitors of Baton Rouge. However, these incidents serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by natural waterways. Local authorities and community leaders continue to advocate for enhanced safety protocols to prevent further tragedies and ensure that the river remains a safe environment for all who choose to enjoy its waters.

As the community reflects on these tragic events, the hope is that through increased awareness, improved safety measures, and a collective commitment to vigilance, future incidents can be prevented, allowing the Amite River to once again serve as a place of joy and recreation for all.