Man who drowned in Broussard retention pond identified

Broussard Police Headquarters has identified the man who tragically drowned in a retention pond Wednesday as 36-year-old Manuel Gonzalez.

Authorities reported officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Lake Edge Drive around 12:30 a.m. after receiving a call about a drowning incident. Police say Gonzalez and two other men who worked in the area decided to swim in the retention pond.

Witnesses at the scene said Gonzalez began struggling while swimming and eventually fell underwater, never resurfacing. The Lafayette Sheriff's Office dive team was quickly called in to assist with recovery efforts. Unfortunately, their efforts resulted in the recovery of Gonzalez's body.

The Lafayette Coroner's Office was on scene to remove the body and is expected to conduct further investigations to determine the exact cause of death.

The Broussard Police Headquarters is continuing its investigation into the circumstances of this tragic incident.