Priest killed in freak woodworking accident at church, Louisiana officials say
A Louisiana community is mourning a beloved priest killed in a “tragic” woodworking accident, authorities say.
Father James “Jimmy” Jeanfreau, a priest at the Immaculate Conception Church in Marrero, was found dead Tuesday, Nov. 29, inside a woodshop at the church, WVUE reported, citing the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office.
Officials said Jeanfreau, 60, suffered “traumatic injuries” while working with a lathe, a stationary machine used to shape wood and other objects, according to NOLA.com. He was found unresponsive around 9 a.m. and died at the scene, sheriff’s deputies said.
“It is with great sorrow that I share the news of Fr. Jimmy Jeanfreau’s death,” a statement posted on the Immaculate Conception Church website reads. “He died in a tragic accident sometime last night and was found this morning by members of the Immaculate Conception school staff.”
“This is indeed a shock,” it continued.
Authorities said they do not suspect foul play, NOLA.com reported.
In 1992, Jeanfreau was ordained as a priest and served at several churches in the New Orleans area, according to the newspaper. He ”put his carpentry skills to great use” at one church and worked alongside parishioners on multiple projects, including installing new wood floors, The Clarion Herald reported.
The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday, Nov. 30.
Marrero is less than 10 miles from downtown New Orleans.
This story was originally published November 30, 2022 at 11:51 AM with the headline "Priest killed in freak woodworking accident at church, Louisiana officials say."