On December 7, 2024, at approximately 9:16 PM, the Montgomery County Dispatch Center received a 911 call in reference to an overdue boater on Lake Conroe. Initial reports stated the male, who has been identified as Mr. Stephen Marriott, a 44-year-old male from Willis, Texas, had gone fishing near FM 1375 and the Cagle Boat Ramp and had not returned.
Immediately, law enforcement and fire department officials responded to the area and located Mr. Marriott’s vehicle and boat trailer inside Walker County; however, Mr. Marriott was not inside, nor was his boat initial found. At approximately 11:10 PM, authorities located Mr. Marriott’s boat, in gear, and unoccupied near a small island close to FM 1375, inside the boat were Mr. Marriott’s life vest and cellphone. Deputies continued throughout Saturday night and throughout the day Sunday searching for Mr. Marriott.
On Monday, December 9, 2024, at approximately 2:30 PM, Mr. Marriott’s body was located approximately 100 yards from where authorities located his boat near FM 1375. Walker County Justice of the Peace Judge Cole has ordered an autopsy be conducted to determine what caused the incident.
Constable Cash wishes to express his sincere condolences to Mr. Marriott’s friends and family for their loss. Constable Cash also wishes to thank the Walker County Sheriff’s Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the North Montgomery Fire Department for all of the hard work and dedication to help bring closure to the family during this horrible tragedy.
Constable Cash wishes to remind everyone, “Regardless if you are an avid boater, an experienced swimmer, or on a watercraft for the first time, properly fitting life jackets save lives.”
This is an ongoing investigation and any additional information will be released when available.
