Four people drown in Sabine River between Newton and Merryville

Deputies from the Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Department in DeRidder have now recovered three bodies of the four people who drowned Friday evening in the Sabine River near Merryville and they continue to look for the remaining victim. Deputies on Sunday identified those recovered from the river as Troy M. McCollough of the Junction community, Kelly Bailey of Hornbeck, and Austin Scott of DeRidder.  However, they have not released the name of the 4th drowning victim as the search continues. Beauregard Parish Sheriff Mark Herford said “These three men tragically lost their lives trying to rescue a young boy. They are heroes and should be remembered that way. My deepest condolences and my prayers are with the families of all those involved.” Emergency dispatchers received a call Friday night reporting three adults and a juvenile missing in the water near the boat ramp off Palmer Lake Road and Mouth of the Creek Road, an access point to the Louisiana side of Sabine River west of Junction and LA-111. Sheriff Mark Herford says it’s a popular spot for swimming but the current can be treacherous.