Elton, Louisiana Man Drowns at Rutherford Beach on Memorial Day

An Elton, Louisiana man is dead after he drowned at Rutherford Beach in Cameron Parish on Memorial Day, authorities said.

According to Cameron Parish Chief Deputy and Sheriff-elect Chris Savoie, 58-year-old Mark Estes was pulled under the current near the rocks at approximately 11:45 am on Monday, May 27, 2024.

First responders arrived on the scene and performed CPR, but Estes was later pronounced dead.

This wasn't the only incident of the day. Savoie said there was also a near-drowning later in the day.

Savoie wants to remind beachgoers to be mindful of the tides and currents, especially during strong winds. He also asked people to stay away from the rocks because riptides near them can lead to drownings.

"Be diligent, stay safe, and stay away from those rocks," Savoie told KPLC-TV out of Lake Charles.

Sadly, this was the second drowning at a Louisiana beach over the Memorial Day weekend.

In Grand Isle on Saturday, May 25, a 13-year-old boy from Algiers drowned at a beach there.