Wayne Robert Ladner

Wayne Ladner (left) and his brother Roy working on Wayne's Chevelle.

Wayne Robert Ladner was born on November 27, 1950, in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, to Hester Ladner and Josephine Geis. He married Mona Theresa Saucier on October 23, 1973. They had two children: Lodge Wayne and Jonathan.

One story that was often told about Wayne was his being bitten by an alligator when he was 28. The alligator had been successfully captured by Wayne and others, but it slipped free when it was being transferred to the game warden. It bit Wayne on the leg and he suffered a severe wound.

Wayne passed away in October 2005 a few weeks after Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast of Mississippi. He had helped in the initial recovery and cleanup after the storm, and was staying temporarily with his brother. In those difficult circumstances, he did not get medical attention in time to prevent his death. It could be argued, then, that the storm was a factor in his death.

Documents

Newspaper clipping with picture of Wayne Ladner and others holding an alligator. The caption explains that Wayne was bitten by the alligator when it slipped free during transfer.

Newspaper clipping showing Wayne Ladner at 28 years old, assisting Bay St. Louis police in capturing an alligator. Wayne was bitten by the alligator while turning it over to the Mississippi Game and Fish warden.