LA Firefighter Drowns after Fall into Canal

The Baton Rouge Fire Department was mourning the death of a fire captain who died in an apparent drowning near the Gulf Coast this weekend.

Capt. Bryan Bozeman, 45, slipped and fell into canal water Saturday night while cleaning fish at a popular fishing and recreation area near Cocodrie, roughly 30 miles south of Houma along the coast, according to the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office.

His family helped pull him out of the water and others attempted to revive him, a spokesman for the sheriff's office said. Emergency crews brought Bozeman to a local hospital where he later died.

The Baton Rouge Fire Department wrote in a Sunday Facebook post about Bozeman's death, which attracted memories and thoughts from several people he worked with over the years. Some of his colleagues described his bravery as a firefighter and sense of humor while on the job.

"Bryan was full of life and loved helping others," the fire department wrote on its post. "He will be missed dearly."

Bozeman became a captain in 2018, according to the fire department.

East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome ordered flags to be flown at half staff at local government buildings on the day of his burial, which hasn't been set.

"Captain Bozeman was dedicated to his job and the community," she said. "His family and loved ones are in my prayers during this difficult time."

Authorities in Terrebonne Parish were still investigating Bozeman's death Sunday afternoon, but said it appeared to be accidental.

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