The boating community and residents of Greensburg, Louisiana, are in mourning following the tragic death of Chase Sharkey, a local businessman and father of four, in a devastating boat accident on the Tickfaw River. The accident, which occurred shortly after midnight on July 28, has left the community in shock and has prompted a thorough investigation by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).
Chase Sharkey, a 36-year-old resident of Greensburg, Louisiana, and the owner of Sharkey Mechanical Services, LLC, was announced dead in a poignant social media post that read, “Our hearts are heavy with grief. To know him was to love him. Please hold our family and friends in your prayers during this difficult time. Chase Sharkey, we love you.” The message underscores the deep sorrow felt by those who knew him and the significant impact of his loss.
Sharkey was a devoted husband to Shelly Verberne Sharkey and a caring father to his four children. He was a well-regarded figure in his community, known for his dedication to his family and his work. A graduate of Southwest Mississippi Community College Workforce, Sharkey’s professional and personal contributions were deeply valued by those around him.
Details of the Accident
The fatal accident occurred on the Tickfaw River near Kings Point in Livingston Parish. LDWF agents received a report of a two-boat collision just after midnight. The accident involved a 25-foot Sea Fox boat and a 25-foot pontoon boat. Upon arrival, agents found the Sea Fox capsized and the pontoon boat severely damaged.
According to LDWF, a 27-year-old female passenger on the Sea Fox was trapped beneath the overturned vessel. In a heroic effort, an agent and a good Samaritan dove into the river and managed to rescue the woman. They performed CPR until the arrival of Acadian Ambulance, but despite their efforts, she was declared deceased upon arrival at North Oaks Hospital. Her identity has not yet been disclosed.
Chase Sharkey, who was operating the pontoon boat, was tragically among the deceased. Search and rescue teams, including the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Springfield Fire Department, conducted an extensive search through the night and into the early afternoon. Sharkey’s body was recovered at approximately 12:45 p.m., bringing an end to the agonizing wait for his family and friends.
Impact and Aftermath
The accident has had a significant impact on the community, with several other individuals involved in the collision suffering injuries. Three people aboard the Sea Fox and three aboard the pontoon were transported to North Oaks Hospital with injuries that are believed to be non-life-threatening. The Livingston Parish Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause of death for the deceased.
The incident has raised serious questions about safety practices on the water. According to LDWF, none of the 13 individuals involved in the accident were wearing life jackets at the time of the collision. The operator of the Sea Fox had blood drawn as part of the investigation, but the exact cause of the accident remains unknown at this time.
Community Response and Remembrance
The loss of Chase Sharkey has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from the community. Friends, family, and colleagues have taken to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Sharkey. He was remembered as a dedicated family man, a hardworking professional, and a cherished friend. His sudden and tragic death has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew him.
The family has requested privacy as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. Funeral arrangements and an obituary for Chase Sharkey will be released at a later date. In the meantime, the community continues to rally around the Sharkey family, offering support and condolences.
Call for Safety and Vigilance
This tragic accident underscores the importance of safety measures on the water. LDWF and local authorities are urging all boaters to wear life jackets and to exercise caution while operating watercraft. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, and authorities are committed to uncovering the details that led to this devastating event.
In the wake of this tragedy, there is a renewed call for awareness and adherence to boating safety guidelines to prevent such incidents in the future. The boating community and local residents are reminded of the unpredictable nature of water activities and the critical importance of safety precautions.
The death of Chase Sharkey in the Tickfaw River boat accident is a heartbreaking loss for his family and the broader community. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing support to the Sharkey family and ensuring that similar tragedies can be prevented in the future. The community’s response, characterized by deep empathy and solidarity, highlights the collective grief and the shared commitment to honoring the memory of Chase Sharkey.
