Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reports that a 71-year-old Haughton man was found deceased Wednesday morning on Toledo Bend Lake.

Richard Edward Whatley was discovered in the water near the bank at the end of Ed Callie Road in San Patricio Bay at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 25. According to the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, Whatley’s boat was still running nearby when he was located.

Authorities said it remains unclear how Whatley drowned, but investigators believe he may have fallen from his boat.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is leading the investigation.

Sheriff Mitchell and his staff extended condolences to Whatley’s family and friends.