Divers recover body of missing swimmer at Cotile Lake

Divers have recovered the body of a missing swimmer who disappeared Monday afternoon at Cotile Lake in Boyce.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office says Travis Jermaine Savage, 29, of Alexandria was found around 10 p.m. Monday night after he went swimming and never resurfaced. Deputies said Savage was with family and was attempting to swim out to a buoy, but didn't make it.

The sheriff's office was assisted by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office and Wildlife and Fisheries in the effort.

We're told Rapides deputies received the call of the drowning around 2:30 p.m. Monday afternoon. Rescue crews spent the afternoon searching for Savage's body and were delayed at times due to severe weather.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mr. Savage during this difficult time” said Sheriff William Earl Hilton. “We are thankful for the families sake. this was not a long, drawn out recovery. I would like to thank the Cotile Volunteer Fire Department, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Alexandria Fire Department, Pineville Fire Department, Rapides Fire District #2, Acadian Ambulance, Cotile Recreation area personnel and the Natchitoches Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this recovery.”