Michael Middleton, 77, of Plaquemine, died after his Nissan Rogue struck an unoccupied pickup at a boat launch near Jack Miller’s Landing and both vehicles overturned into the Upper Grand River on September 7, 2026.
Louisiana State Police reported that Middleton continued through a stop sign at LA 75 and LA 3066, crossed the highway and entered the launch area before striking the parked Dodge Ram.
First Responders Removed Middleton From the Submerged Rogue
Troop A began investigating shortly before 9 p.m. The State Police account says Middleton drove the 2014 Rogue south on LA 75, continued through the stop sign at LA 3066 and struck a 1997 Dodge Ram that had been backed into the boat launch.
Both vehicles overturned into the river. First responders removed Middleton from the submerged Rogue, and local reports said he was airlifted to a Baton Rouge hospital. State Police learned the following afternoon that he had died.
The Dodge was unoccupied. The public reports do not say whether it was attached to a boat or trailer or identify its owner.
State Police Suspected Impairment but Did Not Publish a Final Result
State Police said impairment was suspected and that investigators would review medical records. The release did not provide a blood alcohol level, toxicology result or completed analysis.
WAFB reported that law enforcement expected allegations including DWI, failure to stop, no seat belt and an open container. No charge was filed before Middleton died, according to the public sources reviewed. An anticipated charge is not a finding of guilt.
The impairment evidence may explain why the Rogue continued through the intersection, but the actual medical and laboratory records are needed before stating that as a final conclusion.
The Dodge’s Position Should Be Documented Without Inventing a Claim
The preliminary report strongly focuses on the Rogue’s failure to stop. Even so, investigators should document exactly where the Dodge was backed into the launch, whether its lights were on and whether a boat or trailer was attached.
That does not mean the truck’s owner was negligent. It means the physical scene should be preserved before vehicles and equipment are moved. Damage patterns and any available video may also help explain how both vehicles entered the water.
The Rogue’s electronic data and mechanical condition may be affected by submersion, making prompt inspection important.
This Is Primarily a Motor-Vehicle and Property Claim
The fact that the vehicles ended up in a river does not automatically turn the case into a maritime matter. The reported collision began between motor vehicles at a launch. Maritime law would require additional facts involving a vessel or maritime activity.
The Rogue’s automobile insurer should receive notice. The Dodge’s owner may have a property claim, and the policies may address vehicle, trailer, boat or equipment damage depending on what was present.
A wrongful-death claim against another party would require evidence that someone besides Middleton was legally at fault. The public reporting does not currently establish that.
For help reviewing the insurance, vehicle-preservation or property issues after a boat-launch crash, contact Babcock Injury Lawyers.
Sources
- Louisiana State Police: Fatal Iberville Parish boat-launch crash
- WAFB: Water rescue and later death
- WBRZ: Michael Middleton dies after river crash
- Louisiana Civil Code article 2315.1
- Louisiana Civil Code article 2315.2
Editorial & Legal Accuracy Notice (Louisiana)
This article is based on the preliminary State Police release and linked local reporting. State Police suspected impairment, but the sources reviewed did not provide a final medical or toxicology result, completed reconstruction or civil fault determination. The Dodge’s exact position and any attached equipment were not established. This article is general information, not advice about a particular claim.