Evans man dies in boating accident near Burr's Ferry

KJAS News has confirmed through Newton County Sheriff Robert Burby that a deadly boating accident occurred on the Sabine River Sunday afternoon resulting in the death of a West Louisiana man. Burkeville Fire Chief Charles Duckworth said it happened at about 3:30, approximately 3 miles north of the Highway 63 Burr Ferry Bridge. According to Duckworth, four people were in a boat when it ran over a log, causing the outboard motor to flip over into the boat and strike a man, resulting in his death. Duckworth said he and his firefighters along with Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Wardens recovered the body of the man who was later identified as 21-year-old Leon Grant Jeans of Evans, Louisiana. Meanwhile, game wardens will be conducting the investigation into the circumstances of the accident.