News Summary

The body of 79-year-old Charles Veith, missing since Christmas Day, has been found near Lake Pontchartrain in Kenner, Louisiana. After a search initiated by family and police, the body was located near a boat launch on December 31. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of death, while community members express their sorrow over this tragic loss.

Kenner, Louisiana: Tragic Discovery of Missing Man’s Body

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the body of 79-year-old Charles Veith from Texas has been discovered near Lake Pontchartrain in Kenner, Louisiana. This sad news comes after a frantic search that began on Christmas Day when Charles was reported missing while on a family visit.

The body was found near the Kenner boat launch on December 31, 2024. Authorities acted quickly to identify the body, confirming it belonged to Charles Veith, a man who had left a lasting impression on those who knew him. Roger Veith, his brother, last saw him that Christmas morning at around 11:30 a.m. It was that day when Charles departed his brother’s home, intended to visit his sister in Bridge City.

He was expected to arrive there by 2:30 p.m. but unfortunately never made it. It was this absence that sparked a serious search effort from the New Orleans Police Department, who quickly launched a missing person investigation. Additionally, the Kenner Police Department joined the effort, as Veith was staying at a local hotel during his visit.

Charles’s vehicle, a grey Ford Edge adorned with a Texas Knights of Columbus license plate, was last spotted at the intersection of Power Boulevard and West Esplanade around 12:30 p.m. on Christmas Day. But after hours of searching, both Charles and his car remained elusive, leading to growing concern among family and friends.

Sadly, after days of uncertainty, the body was located, although it appeared to have been in the water for some time. The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office is now conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. At this stage, investigators have noted that there were no visible signs of foul play, but they are still conducting a full investigation to gather all necessary details.

It’s especially heart-wrenching to know that Charles had left behind critical medications and personal items in his hotel room, raising questions about his well-being during those fateful hours.

Family and friends have described Charles Veith as a devout Christian who was deeply supportive of both Catholicism and the Knights of Columbus. These sentiments reflect the kind-hearted nature that those closest to him remember fondly. The news of his passing has left a pall over his family, who continue to seek closure in this tragic situation.

As the community processes this loss, the Kenner police urge anyone who might have information regarding Charles Veith or the grey Ford Edge to step forward. They can be reached at (504) 712-2200 or through a simple call to 911. Every bit of information could be essential to piecing together what happened on that fateful Christmas Day.

This story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support, especially during the holiday season. The people of Kenner, and beyond, are certainly feeling the weight of this tragedy, and they remain hopeful for answers in the days to come.