By Pat Culverhouse

Two individuals drowned Sunday morning when an apparent fishing trip to the banks of Dorcheat Bayou south of Shongaloo ended in tragedy.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker identified the victims as 54-year-old Annie Ruth Buggs of Bernice and 41-year-old Deandrea Perez Ford of Homer.

Parker said the pair apparently were fishing from the banks of the bayou near a boat launch off Bobby Davis Rd. Evidence at the scene indicated one of the individuals fell from a chair into the water and the other entered the water in attempt to save a life.

“We cannot be sure which of them fell into the water. We found a chair in the water and another still on the bank,” Parker said. “We learned from relatives that neither of the individuals could swim. It’s just a tragic event.”

Sheriff’s Office dispatchers received a call shortly before 8:30 a.m. Sunday reporting a body floating in the bayou near the boat launch. Deputies responded along with Springhill, Cotton Valley and Sarepta fire departments.

“After Ms. Buggs’ body was recovered from the water, deputies found no keys to a vehicle which was parked at the scene,” Parker said. “At that point, we called the Springhill dive team to search underwater for any evidence. During their search, they discovered the body of Mr. Ford in about 10 feet of water.”

Parker said the search-and-recovery was a joint effort.

“We really appreciate the assistance from all the agencies, and we want to thank the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office for notifying the families,” he said.

Both bodies have been sent to Little Rock, Arkansas for autopsy, Parker said. Results should be received in about two weeks.

“All of us want to convey our deepest sympathies to the families of these individuals,” he said. “We will keep them in our prayers.”