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Thank you for the updates!This video shows snippets of the construction process of the temporary dam that was built in order to drain the canal.
My thoughts exactly. Some have posted pics of the parking lot boat landing and one open bridge spanning some swamp land.
#1. The swamp is an odd place to go fly a kite.
#2. There are trees surrounding the parking lot and it is July so they all have leaves. This makes airflow in such a small area very restricted.
#3. The open bridge trail, or any other *open* trail is nowhere near the parking lot. If she left her kids that far away to go back to the car...
#4. Yes, the family is the victim here <modsnip>
#5. Finally, raising an autistic child is exhausting.
Things to consider.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office
19 Jul 2021
As our recovery efforts continue in Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve, we are now in the process of constructing a dam across the waterway to allow an area to be pumped clear. Sheriff Lopinto wishes to express his appreciation to B&S Equipment for providing the equipment and crew as we attempt to complete our mission of locating Ellis. Because of the current use of heavy equipment, the parking lot of Twin Canals is currently closed and we are asking members of the public to avoid the area.
19 Jul 2021
The first load of clay is on site and dam construction is about to begin.
19 Jul 2021
Construction of the dam is underway and we are hoping to have it completed and start draining the area sometime tomorrow. Thank you again to B&S Equipment and their crews for working through the day. We are asking that the public continue to avoid the area to allow the equipment and clay trucks to have easier access. The Twin Canals parking lot remains closed due to the operation.
20 Jul 2021
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Unfortunately, our efforts to pump out the area of interest in the canal were not completely successful. We lost the clay dam earlier tonight, and the original water levels returned quickly. Our recovery efforts will now resume their passive status for the next few days.
Our efforts were not in vain. We were able to drain about half the water from the search area which allowed us to check the root systems on the banks, alligator dens along the waterline, subsurface dens, culverts, and overhanging banks that were previously underwater. We were able able to narrow the search area for the remote operating vehicle and its sonar equipment.
While we were ultimately unable to complete our recovery mission, we will continue to be in the area for the next few days to ensure the site is returned to the pristine condition it was in. We cannot thank the numerous volunteers, B&S Equipment, the National Park Service, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the LDWF for their assistance.
Well, mom should know exactly where they were when he fell, was pulled in by a gator or was bumped/pushed into the water. I say pushed or bumped b/c there was a 3YO there and chit happens, ya know. It may have happened when mom was flying or fixing the kite or while she was walking towards the car. Who knows...I know many folks who work for SCSO who were there working with JPSO and they said there are many, many different stories. At first they weren’t even sure where he went in.
I wish I did not look this up on SM.
I wondered that, too. While looking through the photos and vids posted on Google Maps I noticed some surveillance cams at the Visitors Center. Hopefully those are working properly. Still, Mom, Ellis, and the 3YO may not have been captured by the cameras depending on where in the park they were flying their kite. I don't remember if I saw any cameras in the parking lot. Off to look for that now.What other adult besides mom can verify the child was there at this park that day?
So what do I go and do? UGH!I wish I did not look this up on SM.
Unfortunately, our efforts to pump out the area of interest in the canal were not completely successful. We lost the clay dam earlier tonight, and the original water levels returned quickly. Our recovery efforts will now resume their passive status for the next few days.
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You’re not the only one unfortunately. Including some people who were there helping. Hope we are wrong but like my husband told me (he’s LEO and some of his coworkers were there), WE won’t know that and what they’re doing to look into it. Poor baby. He’s just precious. I hate it for him either way.I am not sure he was ever at this park.