In the waning hours of a Friday afternoon, a hunting trip in Loranger, Louisiana, ended in tragedy for 33-year-old Joseph H. Stevens Jr. of Hammond. On December 6, 2013, Stevens was with his hunting partner and special friend, Stacey M. Trapp, when a fatal incident occurred. The two men had been hunting for about an hour and were making their way home. As they approached a wire fence, Trapp, who was walking in front with a.
270 caliber bolt action rifle slung over his shoulder, crouched to go under some bushes.
As Trapp moved, the rifle discharged, firing a single bullet that struck Stevens. The impact was immediate and fatal. Trapp promptly called 911 for assistance. Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and deputies from the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office responded to the scene at approximately 2:30 p.m. off Highway 1062.
Investigators determined that the shooting was accidental and did not suspect any foul play in the death of Joseph H. Stevens Jr. No arrests were made in connection with the incident. Stevens was an avid outdoorsman who had a deep appreciation for nature. He was remembered as a generous, kind, and caring person who cherished spending time with his children.
