Red River Tragedy

Chief Crawford's Briefing the Day After (8/3/2010)


Donations
Mail any donations for the Stewart/Blalock and Warner families to:
  Shreveport Fire Chief's Office
263 N. Common Street
Shreveport, Louisiana  71107
 


Funeral services for the six teenagers who drowned in the Red River were announced by the City of Shreveport on August 5, 2010.

Family hour and visitation for the Stewart/Blalock and Warner families is scheduled for Friday, August 6, 2010 at Praise Temple Full Gospel Cathedral, 4725 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, Louisiana. Both families will receive friends at the church from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The funeral for the Stewart/Blalock Family will be Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 2:00 pm at Morning Star Baptist Church of Shreveport, 5340 Jewella Avenue.

The funeral for the Warner Family will be Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 3:00 pm at Praise Temple Full Gospel Cathedral, 4725 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, Louisiana.

At least six teenagers from two families have drowned in the Red River in Shreveport after they reportedly stepped off a ledge from shallow water into a chasm about 20 feet deep on Monday.

The City of Shreveport identified the victims as Takeitha Warner, 13; her brother, JaMarcus Warner, 14; and her brother, JaTavious, 17. The members of the other family are Litrelle Stewart, 18; his brother, Latevin Stewart, 15; and his brother LaDairus, 17.

One teenager is reported to have survived. Rescue crews were on the scene until late Monday night.

It's believed some of the children and adults could not swim and that the teens were playing in a familiar area, when the bottom fell suddenly. That is where divers found the bodies.

It is not clear to fire officials whether one teen fell and pulled down the others or if they were trying to rescue each other. Preliminary reports say the families only had one life jacket.

This incident occurred on the Red River, where it runs under the Jimmie Davis Bridge. Officials say they have never experienced this type of incident at this location.

The families are believed to have been visiting the recreational area, which is popular for its sand bars, picnic areas, fishing, tubing and wading.

Donations sent to the Shreveport Fire Chief's Office will be given to The Shreveport Federal Credit which is accepting donations to help family members. Each dollar donated will be matched. If you would like more information on where to send contributions, please call 318-798-4061.  The address of the Fire Chief's Office is above, just below the video.