Chris Broussard began his night out like any other. After joining his Theta Chi fraternity brothers at Rotolo’s and ending the night at Bogie’s Bar, the 22-year-old sociology senior sent his mother a text that he was on his way home. But he never made it.
Chris was found dead in his 2004 Nissan Frontier truck off Highway 30 Wednesday evening in St. Gabriel. The truck, not visible from the road, was hidden in Bayou Manchac’s tall grass, mangled and overturned.
When a police chopper spotted the vehicle around 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, emergency responders and Chris’ family and friends gathered at the scene to identify his body. Chris was carrying identification on his person at the time of the incident.
Saint Gabriel Police Chief Kevin Ambeau said the truck was traveling at approximately 50 mph when it hit a guardrail and became airborne before landing upside down on the opposite embankment.
The last time Chris was seen, he was leaving Bogie’s around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. He then texted his mother, Lisa, that he was headed back to the family’s Geismar home soon. That was the last time Lisa had contact with her son.
Assuming Chris had decided to sleep at a friends’ house, his parents didn’t worry until he didn’t show up for his Exerfit job the next day. They filed a missing persons report with the Baton Rouge Police Department Tuesday afternoon. By Wednesday, no one had heard from Chris.
Family and friends met at 4:30 p.m. that afternoon to pass out fliers at Bogie’s. The bar’s security videos show Chris falling behind his friends to help another man into his vehicle.
Chris’ father, Mike, said this was telling of his son’s character  — always trying to help others. Sunday was the last time Mike and his wife saw their son.
But when Chris needed help, none was to be found.
Chris’ parents said they were told their son had asked for a ride before attempting to drive himself home. He had a twenty-mile drive to make after moving back home to finish his last semester at the University.
The Broussards also said they believe alcohol was involved that evening, but toxicology reports will not be ready for another two weeks to confirm any suspicions.
Aimee Lestage, a communication disorders senior, said Chris was one of the first people she met in college. She had last seen him Friday.
“He was the most genuinely sweet person you’ve ever met. He had a radiance about him,” she said.
Chris’ parents praised the outpouring of support they received from friends and family during the difficult time.
“I haven’t gone to work, haven’t eaten, haven’t slept,” Lisa said. “Just pushing on.”
Minutes after Wednesday’s announcement, Chris’ Facebook page was flooded with support, prayers and love from friends in support of the Broussard family.

Gallery • 2 Photos

Connor Tarter

Chris Broussard's 2004 Nissan king-cab pickup truck is hooked up to a tow truck Wednesday, August 28, 2013 near Geismar, Louisiana.