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==Death and legacy==

==Death and legacy==

LaPlante died in the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, [[Texas]]. In addition to his parents and his children, LaPlante was survived by his wife, Merrill, nine siblings, and three dozen nieces and nephews. Services were held in St. Aloysius Church. He is interred at Resthaven Gardens of Memory in Baton Rouge.<ref name=obit/>

LaPlante drowned while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico and was pronounced dead at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, [[Texas]]. In addition to his parents and children, David and Anne, LaPlante was survived by his wife, Merrill, nine siblings, and three dozen nieces and nephews. Services were held in St. Aloysius Church. He is interred at Resthaven Gardens of Memory in Baton Rouge.<ref name=obit/>

Former Louisiana [[Governor]] [[Buddy Roemer]] of Baton Rouge recalled in a statement to ''The Morning Advocate'' that LaPlante was a most dedicated journalist: "John was a stickler for the truth. He was passionate about his work, and he was persistent. What I remember about John is the fact he was always there. If there was something happening that was shaping Louisiana, John was there."

Former Louisiana [[Governor]] [[Buddy Roemer]] of Baton Rouge recalled in a statement to ''The Morning Advocate'' that LaPlante was a most dedicated journalist: "John was a stickler for the truth. He was passionate about his work, and he was persistent. What I remember about John is the fact he was always there. If there was something happening that was shaping Louisiana, John was there."