PLAQUEMINE, La. — A GoFundMe was launched for the pipeline worker who was killed in the Plaquemines Parish explosion over the weekend.
40-year-old Joshua Nichols of Lake Charles died from the explosion. According to the GoFundMe, Nichols leaves behind his fiance, Lauren, and their six children.
"When an accident happens, we all feel it, and we all identify with the families who lost loved ones," Brad Crozier, the fundraiser organizer, said. "This time, it is my family that was affected and I am asking for help providing for immediate expenses that are incurred when dealing with a tragedy."
The Coast Guard Sector in New Orleans said it received a report of the explosion on Saturday evening. In a release, it said a "contractor aboard a 17-foot mud boat was working on a pipeline in the area and was reported missing."
A Coast Guardsmen boat and aircrew went out to search for Nichols' body. The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office found his body near the explosion site around 10 a.m. on Sunday.
The sheriff's office said the Louisiana State Police is investigating the explosion and pipeline aspect of the incident.
Nichols was working on the boat around 8 p.m. near a natural gas pipeline when the explosion and fire occurred, state police said.
"The pipelines have been blocked, and one remains on fire, burning the remaining natural gas in the line. Air monitor readings were conducted, and there is no threat to the public," LSP said in a release.
The cause of the explosion is unknown at this time. No other individuals were injured.
Read the full GoFundMe statement below:
As people who work in the industry, we understand that we may be kissing our families goodbye for the last time when we head to work. Sadly, for Josh, his fiance Lauren, and their six children, this became a reality on 17 Aug 2024. Josh was in the Gulf, working hard to provide for his family when everyone's worst fears became a reality. Sadly, his life was lost in an offshore tragedy.
When an accident happens, we all feel it and we all identify with the families who lost loved ones. This time, it is my family that was affected and I am asking for help providing for immediate expenses that are incurred when dealing with a tragedy. If you cannot give, we ask for prayers of comfort for the family. Don't forget to let your loved ones know exactly what they mean to you. Thank you for your help and support.
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