The body of the founder and former CEO of one of the nation’s largest home health care companies was recovered Tuesday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where devastating and unprecedented flooding has claimed nearly a dozen lives.
William “Bill” Borne, 58, died of accidental drowning, several news outlets have reported. His body was discovered near Mallard Estate in a wooded area off Hoo Shoo Too Road.
Borne founded Baton Rouge-based Amedisys Inc. (Nasdaq: AMED) in 1982, and resigned as CEO in early 2014. During his 33 years at the company, Amedisys grew into the second-largest home health care company in the nation.
“Bill was an original,” Amedisys President and CEO Paul Kusserow said in a statement. “Bill’s vision made Amedisys what it is today, and a countless number of employees and patients have gained much from him. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy, one we will work every day to uphold, continue and make thrive.”
Borne had last been seen around 2 a.m. Sunday morning, and his red 4-wheeler was found in the water near a boat launch at Mallard Lakes, The Advocate reported. Torrential rain that lasted for days impacted at least 40,000 homes in Louisiana this week and taken at least 11 lives, according to The Weather Channel.
“Bill Borne was a star-spangled, American hero, filled with energy, commitment, passion, initiative, courage and fun,” Donald A. Washburn, board chairman of Amedisys, said 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. We are grateful to him for the great company he founded—Amedisys—which has provided us with the opportunity to be helpful to so many people through the years.”
Written by Amy Baxter
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