The body of a Crowley man who drowned Friday while swimming with family and friends in the Calcasieu River near Oberlin was recovered this morning.

Markell Lazard, 18, was reported missing around 2 p.m. Friday after he was last seen swimming at the river beach area off La. 26, just west of Oberlin, according to Allen Parish Sheriff Doug Hebert III.

Lazard was attempting to swim across the river to meet friends on the opposite bank, but was unable to make it, Hebert said. Witnesses reported seeing Lazard go under the water and not resurface.

The Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office, area fire departments, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office dive team and a cadaver dog had been searching the river since Lazard was reported missing on Friday, according to Hebert. His body was recovered around 9:30 a.m. Monday about two bends south of the La. 26 bridge.

This is the first drowning on the Calcasieu River this year.

Hebert remains swimmers and boaters that the Calcasieu River is dangerous due to swift currents and high water levels.

“If you can’t swim, don’t get in the water,” he cautioned.

Hebert also noted that even though there are shallow areas, there are many deep spots in the murky water with old trees and debris.

The public is encouraged not to swim alone and to wear life jackets when boating.