By LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / March 31, 1999

HAHNVILLE – A 4-year-old Kenner child died early Monday, apparently from hypothermia following a boat accident.

Capt. Sandy Dares of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheriesreported that on Sunday afternoon two Kenner men went out fishing in Lake Cataouatche in a 17-foot fiberglass boat. William Robinson and his6-year-old son, Garrett, and Pernell Robinson and his 4-year-old son, Devin were all out that afternoon.

William and Pernell are not related, Dares said.

As the group was returning to the dock at Pier 90 on U.S. Highway 90between 4 and 5 p.m., they noticed an unusual amount of water in thebottom of the boat.

They attempted to make it to the bank and the bilge pump was turned on, but the pump was unable to keep up with the water pouring in, and engine trouble added to their problem.

Finally, Dares said, a large wave capsized the bottom-heavy boat. Williamand Garrett headed for the bank and were later rescued. Pernell and Devindecided to stay with the boat because they couldn’t swim.

Hours later, William’s brother located William and Garrett, and they made it to Pier 90, from where they notified the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’sOffice. In turn, the sheriff’s office contacted Wildlife and Fisheries.Senior Agent James Gregoire and Sgt. Stephen Clark later located Pernelland Devin and brought them to Pier 90. Devin, by that time, “appeared to bedead” and was transported to St. Charles Parish Hospital in Luling bydeputies.

He was pronounced dead at 3:20 a.m., according to hospital spokesmanJerry Desselle.

They were all wearing life jackets, according to Dares.

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