Coldspring Man Drowns in Lake Livingston, LAKE LIVINGSTON, April 10, 2012 - On April 9, 2012 at approximately 4:30 pm, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a kayak that was discovered floating near the Lake Livingston Dam. Deputies and Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office responded to the location on Rue Du Lac Rd. off of FM 1988. The property owner informed the Detectives he noticed the kayak floating approximately a half mile from his dock. The property owner recovered the kayak and contacted the authorities.
The owner of the kayak was identified as Donald Schappert, 49, of Coldspring. After further investigation it was discovered Mr. Schappert left to go fishing on April 8, 2012 in the evening and did not return home. Mr. Schappert’s wife advised Detectives it was not uncommon for her husband to be gone fishing throughout the night.
The Texas Parks & Wild Life Game Wardens along with the Cape Royal & Scenic Loop water rescue units searched the lake for the missing boater. Within a short time the State Game Wardens discovered Mr. Schappert deceased in the general location where the boat was found.
Mr. Schappert was brought to shore in a secured area where Justice of the Peace Darrell Longino conducted the inquest. The body was taken to Jefferson County Morgue by Cochran Funeral Home, where an autopsy was conducted. The result of the autopsy indicated the cause of death to be accidental drowning.
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