A Lake Charles man, Joshua Nichols, 40, died in an offshore pipeline explosion on Saturday.

Shortly after 8 p.m. on Aug. 17, the Louisiana State Police Emergency Services Unit was notified of “an offshore explosion, fire and report of a missing person in a marsh area near Venice in Plaquemines Parish,” said LSP Troop B in a news release.

LSP Emergency Services Unit began investigating on Sunday. The preliminary investigation found that Nichols was operating a mud boat and working on the pipeline when the explosion and fire occurred. Nichols’ body was recovered in the area of the incident, and no other individuals were injured. 

The reasons for the fire and explosion are still under investigation. LSP said in the release that while one remains on fire, the pipelines have been blocked and there is no threat to the public. 

A GoFundMe was created to fund immediate expenses for Nichols’ family, his fiance Lauren and six children. On Monday, after raising $1,620, the fundraiser was shut down. 

“The immediate needs of the family have been met at this time,” said Brad Crozier, organizer. “Please keep sending prayers for the family.”