Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies along with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries responded to a fatal boating accident on Cane River Lake, south of Natchitoches, La., on Tuesday morning June 23, 2009 at approximately 1:39am according to Natchitoches Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.

According to reports, a aluminum fishing boat was northbound in Cane River, when it struck a bridge piling at the LA 494 bridge also known as Pratts bridge.

The deceased was identified as Cynthia Dianne Walker, 31 of Keithville, Louisiana.

The injured party was identified as Benjamin W. Stevens, 32 of Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Stevens was transported by ambulance to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center then later transferred to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport.

The body of, Cynthia Dianne Walker, was recovered by divers a short time after the accident in about 15 ft of water and was turned over to the Natchitoches Parish Coroners Office.

Responding to the incident: Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Department, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Cane River Patrol Deputies, Natchitoches Parish EMS, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Rescue Unit including divers from Natchitoches Fire Districts 6 & 9.

Investigation into the crash is ongoing by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Cane River Patrol Deputies.