The body of Bill Borne, founder and former CEO of home health care services company Amedisys, was found earlier this morning after he drowned as a result of the recent flooding in south Louisiana, the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office says.
The Coroner’s Office confirms that Borne, 58, is the fifth flood-related death in the parish. His death has been ruled an accidental drowning. The total death toll as a result of the flooding is now at 10 for the Capital Region, The Associated Press reports.
Borne had been missing since 2 a.m. Sunday, according to a Facebook post written on Monday by his daughter, Hanna Borne Green. The message was posted in the Facebook group “Louisiana Flood—Lost and Found Loved Ones.”
According to the post, Borne’s 4-wheeler was found in the water near the boat launch at the Mallard Lakes subdivision, just off Hoo Shoo Too Road, where he lived. It’s unclear where exactly his body was found.
In 1982, Borne founded a small business that would eventually grow into Amedisys, one of the leading home health and hospice companies in the country. He was named Business Report’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 1990. Forbes named him Entrepreneur of the Year in 2004, and the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business inducted him into the college’s Hall of Distinction.
“Bill Borne was a star-spangled, American hero, filled with energy, commitment, passion, initiative, courage and fun,” says Donald Washburn, Amedisys board chairman, in a statement. “All of us at Amedisys loved Bill. He filled any room he was in with inspiration and confidence. We appreciate his life.”
Jake Netterville, an Amedisys board member of 17 years, says Borne was a friend and entrepreneur he admired.
“He built Amedisys up from zero to probably one of the largest home health and hospice companies in the America,” says Netterville, who learned of Borne’s death earlier today.
Borne stepped down as Amedisys CEO and board chairman in 2014. Amedisys President and CEO Paul Kusserow, who succeeded Borne at the home health company, says in a statement that Borne approached everything he did with energy and passion.
“Bill’s vision made Amedisys what it is today, and a countless number of employees and patients have gained from him,” Kussero says. “He leaves behind a wonderful legacy, one we will work every day to uphold, continue, and make thrive.”
—Alexandria Burris
