Allen Parish, LA (4/19/2025) — Markell Lazard, 18, has been reported missing after a swimming incident in the Calcasieu River near Oberlin.
The Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident occurred around 2 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2025.
Locals often refer to the area as the “Oberlin River,” but it is part of the Calcasieu River. Lazard was swimming with friends at a beach area and was last seen in the water attempting to swim across to the opposite bank.
Witnesses say he briefly surfaced and signaled to friends before going under. He has not been seen since. Due to high water currents, officials say search efforts cannot safely resume until Monday.
Tiffany Woodson, Lazard’s mother, issued a plea on Facebook:
“My son went missing today swimming at Oberlin river. If anyone has any information, please contact me at 337-785-9085 or message me here… I’m praying for my son to be alive but y’all this is feeling so unreal. Share share share. I’m broken. I love you to death Markell.”
Community members are now rallying to spread awareness and aid in the search. Anyone with information is urged to contact Tiffany Woodson or Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office at (337) 639-4353 local.
UrbanCast will provide updates as more details become available.
Previous Article:
