LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / August 18, 1999

ST. JAMES – Funeral services were held Monday for a 13-year-old boy whodrowned Friday evening in an apparent accident in the Mississippi River.

St. James Sheriff Willy Martin Jr. reported that Quincy “Sheweetee”Charles was with a group of friends, swimming and playing in the Pike’s Peak Plantation area on the west bank of the Mississippi River between Bay Tree and Moonshine, across the river from Convent, when he apparently stepped into a dropoff, some 40 to 60 feet from shore.

The accident, which occurred about 5 p.m., drew the St. James SheriffOffice to the scene, and officers hunted unsuccessfully until midnight.

The following morning, assisted by a squad from the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and armed with a sonar-type device, searchers returned and made several sweeps of the suspect area where the body was believed to be submerged.

Finally, at 5 p.m., Charles’ body arose on its own and was recovered by thesearchers.

Martin observed, “The river’s been enticing young boys since it’s been there.”The sheriff thanked several barge companies which lent their assistance for many hours during the search.

Charles was the son of Kenneth Whittington and Sheryl Charles and the brother of Tinivia, Sade, Shardenisa, Nanecelia, Kendall and Ken Charles and the late Jeremy Charles.

Services were held Monday morning at St. Luke Baptist Church in St.James, with interment at the church cemetery.

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