NATCHEZ — Gerald A. Boelte, 77, of Natchez was killed when the off-road vehicle on which he was riding overturned on him Thursday evening.

E-911 Emergency Dispatch received at call at approximately 8:21 p.m. Thursday requesting an ambulance at the Boelte property.

An ambulance was dispatched, along with deputies from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

“Then they arrived on the scene, they discovered the vehicle had overturned on the victim,” said Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten. “He succumbed to his injuries prior to being transported to the hospital.”

Boelte was founder of LLOG Exploration Co. LLC, based in Covington, Louisiana, which released a statement on Friday afternoon about his death.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Gerald A. Boelte on Feb. 22 in a single vehicle accident on his family’s property. The entire LLOG family mourns his loss as we extend our deepest sympathies to the Boelte family,” according to the statement.

Philip LeJeune, president and CEO of LLOG, said “Jerry founded LLOG in 1977 and guided it for the past 45-plus years. He was a friend and mentor to us all and his passing is a tremendous loss for LLOG and the entire energy industry. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Boelte and his wife, Hedy, moved to Natchez to what was their vacation home on property near the Mississippi River after Hurricane Katrina destroyed their Pearlington home.

The two met on a blind date. They dated for two years before marrying.

Boelte was a graduate of LSU and was a geologist and petroleum engineer. The couple has five children.

Once full-time Natchez residents, Boelte continued to operate his business interests from his home in Natchez and Hedy Boelte, an artist and devout Catholic, pursued those interests in the Natchez community.

Burial arrangements are being made by his family and are expected to be private, according to the LLOG press release.