CARENCRO, La (KLFY) – 31-year-old Justin Viator’s life was cut short after a boating accident near Whiskey Bay just a little over a week ago.

“It was a horrible accident and i just don’t want anyone to have to go through this,” said Justin’s wife, Megan Viator.

Justin was tragically killed when the boat he and his father were riding in crashed, sending both men overboard.

Search and rescue crews in Iberville Parish found the body of Viator in the water

“He was not wearing his life jacket at the time,” said Mrs. Viator.

By law, only boaters under the age of 17 are required to wear a life jacket, but Sgt. Thomas Ashley with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says they encourage everyone to wear one.

“Think of a life jacket similar to a seatbelt in a vehicle, they don’t work unless you wear them,” said Sgt. Ashley.

“We just think we’re invincible and we think the worst is not going to happen to us,” said Mrs. Viator.

For Mrs. Viator, she’s now left with the feeling of emptiness inside, coupled with many vivid memories.

“He just loved being outdoors, and we as a family we shared alot of that together,” said Mrs. Viator.

Through their loved one, the Viator family is feeling the effects firsthand of what not wearing a life jacket can do, and hope to prevent other families from falling victim.

“Don’t let history repeat itself cause in an instance your life can totally change and i just want everyone to be safe,” said Mrs. Viator.

Mrs. Viator says she working to get an online petition started to send to legislators to make it law that everyone is required to wear a life jacket.