New Orleans Area Priest Dies in Freak Woodworking Accident

A priest in Marrero, Louisiana died in a woodworking accident at a shop on his church's campus on Tuesday morning.

Rev. James "Jimmy" Jeanfreau Jr., a pastor at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, sustained traumatic injuries while working with a lathe, which is a machine used to rotate wood for shaping.

Investigators actually believe he died on Monday night.

The Sheriff's Office received a call about a medical emergency at the church on Tuesday around 9:00 am. Once on scene, deputies found Jeanfreau, 60, unresponsive and he was declared dead there.

"There is no suspicion of foul play," said Capt. Jason Rivarde, a spokesman for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.

In addition to the church, the campus also includes the Immaculate Conception School.

"It is with great sorrow that I share the news of Father Jimmy Jeanfreau Jr.'s death. Our beloved pastor died in a tragic accident sometime last night and was found this morning by ICS staff," school Principal Kim DiMarco said in a letter.

The school plans to make counselors available for staff, faculty, and students for the rest of the week. A prayer vigil will be held at 6:00 pm today for the church.

Jeanfreau was ordained as a priest in 1992 and has served at several New Orleans area churches, including Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Belle Chasse, St. Catherine of Siena in Metairie, St. Luke the Evangelist in Slidell, and St. Jerome in Kenner.