18-year-old Collegiate Angler Stabbed to Death after Bizarre Boat Launch Altercation
OutdoorHub Reporters 02.08.16
The fishing community at the Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSU) is mourning one of their own after a senseless tragedy took the life of 18-year-old Dylan Poche, the star of the University’s collegiate bass fishing team. According to the Shreveport Times, Poche was stabbed to death following an altercation between him and several other visitors to a boat launch at Sibley Lake on January 30. Poche was with his friends and family practicing for an upcoming bass tournament when another group arrived in the area. The two groups started arguing, and the newcomers eventually started throwing rocks at Poche’s vehicle. NSU professor Juddy Hamous, the faculty sponsor of the university’s bass team, said his son Cain was present during the fatal stabbing.
“Cain was right behind Dylan when the man walked up to Dylan. He thought the man had just punched him in the chest, but he was stabbed with a knife,” Hamous said. “Dylan fell to the ground and there was blood everywhere. Cain was trying to find a pulse, but Dylan was already unconscious.”
Poche was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. According to witness accounts. Poche’s brother Caleb Poche pursued the attackers and were able to detain them until they were arrested by deputies. The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Andrew Wallace, William Holman, and Kristine Woodall in connection with the stabbing, all 18 years old. KALB reports that Wallace has been charged with second degree murder.
The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) recognized the young angler’s tragic death last week, noting that Poche had just finished his second BFL event on Toledo Bend Lake in January.
“He was enjoying some success and showed real resolve to build a career out of fishing,” said Keith Poche, Dylan’s uncle and Bassmaster Elite Series angler, in a release. “Watching him grow up, it was obvious he had a natural talent for reading the water and finding the right fish. He fished tournaments in high school and college, and team tournaments on a regular basis—I mean, all he did was fish, he loved it.
“I have no doubt that he would have eventually made it to the highest level of competition. He had that kind of talent. Dylan grew up fishing and was very passionate about his time on the water, which combined with his excellent marks in school, made his determination clear to me. I really wish we were talking about him winning a major tournament, and not this…”
Officials say they are still investigating the case. Details about what led up to the fatal stabbing have yet to be released.
