Graduating Senior Celebrating Last Day of School Drowns in Canal

GONZALES, La. – Ascension Parish Sheriff's deputies say a St. Amant High School senior celebrating his last day of school drowned in the Diversion Canal.

Lt. Col. Paul Robert said 19-year-old Jarren Keller and his friends were swimming in the canal around 3:15 p.m. Monday, hours after seniors finished their last day of classes.

He said the group was near the area where the canal intersects with the Amite River near La. Highway 22.

Robert said Keller was about 30 feet from the shore when he went under the water. Keller's body was recovered late Wednesday night.

Keller was set to graduate from St. Amant High on May 14.