SLIDELL, La. - The body of a Slidell man found this afternoon in Lake Pontchartrain was a student-athlete at Louisiana College.
Officials say that search crews found the body of Isiah M. Tate, 21, shortly after 2 p.m. today, June 5.
Tate was a student-athlete at Louisiana College in Pineville. He was a member of the football team for the past two years and was majoring in health and physical education.
Tate's body was recovered by search crews from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, (LDWF), St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, U.S. Coast Guard and Sea Tow.
According to the three other passengers on the 21-foot boat, Tate fell overboard due to rough waters around 3:30 a.m. near the twin spans on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain south of Slidell.
In a press release from Louisiana College on Tuesday afternoon, Tate was a graduate of Salmen High School. He had been a member of the Louisiana College football team since 2010 playing in a reserve role as both a wide receiver and defensive back.
In his two years with the Wildcats, school officials stated that Tate did not see varsity game action but had participated in the LC junior varsity program with great success.
"Today, the Louisiana College family was saddened to learn of the passing of Isiah Tate, a quality young man and member of both our student body and football team," said Dr. Joe Aguillard, president of Louisiana College. "Our prayers go out, and will continue to go out, to Isiah's family as they cope with this tragic loss. This loss will be felt at Louisiana College for a long time to come, but Isiah will not be forgotten. Louisiana College's faculty, staff and I will remain in prayer for the Lord to deliver Isiah's family through this tough time," Aguillard said.
The passengers said they were able to locate the missing boater in the water twice before he would disappear into the water again before they could make contact.
According to the passengers, Tate was not wearing a personal flotation device. His body has been turned over to the St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office.
"Louisiana College football extends its condolences to the family of Isiah Tate. We learned today of his tragic passing and are still in a state of shock," said Louisiana College coach Dennis Dunn. "He was a good young man who, while he had not yet played a varsity game, looked to have a promising future as a member of this team. He was and remains a Wildcat in our hearts. As a staff, as a team, we grieve this loss but remain in prayer for Isiah's family. This is a tragic loss for all of us," Dunn said.
