AMITY, Arkansas — Clark County authorities say a Bonnerdale man who live-streamed himself diving headfirst into the Caddo River died an accidental death.
Leonard Rogers’s final moments were captured on a Facebook Live video at about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. Rogers, 48, is seen diving headfirst into the Caddo River from the north abutment of the old Runyan Bridge, upstream from where the river begins to form DeGray Lake.
Rogers didn’t say anything from the time he began filming to the dive, about 30 seconds into the video. He was mostly out of frame but his arms can be seen as he prepared for the jump, which was recorded.
Police were notified the following morning. Amity Police Chief Gary “B.J.” Johns responded and searched the area, locating Rogers’s body lying face down in the water about 3 feet from the bank in about 2 feet of water, according to a report filed with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies reviewed the footage as well as Rogers’s social media account during the investigation.
“He cannot be seen entering the water, as the entry point into the water was out of the camera’s view, but a splash can be heard during the recording, indicating he did enter the water,” the report states. “No further sounds from the water are heard in the video.”
The Clark County Coroner was notified at 10:37 a.m.
Sheriff Jason Watson confirmed that Rogers’s death was ruled accidental.
Rogers owned a diesel mechanic service, according to his Facebook page.
Funeral services were held in his hometown of Morristown, Tennessee.
Rogers’s death marks the third swimming-related fatality of 2024 in Clark County.
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