Second boat driver drunk in La. wreck

By The Associated Press | The Natchez Democrat

Published Saturday, June 20, 2009

NEW ROADS, La. (AP) — A 20-year-old boat driver who died with two friends in a May collision was legally drunk and had marijuana in his blood when his 18-foot ski boat collided with another at night on False River, a state investigator said Friday.

Lt. Donald Salpietra of the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wouldn’t give the alcohol level in Christopher W. Austin’s blood — only that it was over the level considered proof of intoxication for drivers on land or water.

He also refused to comment on toxicology tests on the bodies of Sterling Forbes, 22, and Brian Doherty, 21 — both, like Austin, from Baton Rouge.