| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1064 | 2014-02-26 | Troop A | Unrestrained Paulina Man Succumbs to Injuries Sustained in St. James Parish Crash |
TROOP A NEWS RELEASE February 26, 2014 Unrestrained Paulina Man Succumbs to Injuries Sustained in St. James Parish Crash Gramercy – Shortly before 5:30 pm on February 25, 2014, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a three vehicle serious injury crash that occurred on US Hwy 61 at LA Hwy 641 in St. James Parish. The crash took the life of 63 year old Thomas J. Laiche of Paulina. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 46 year old David J. Matt of Opelousas was driving a 2012 Ford F-550 northbound on LA Hwy 641 and was attempting to cross the intersection at US Hwy 61. At the same time, Laiche was driving a 2002 Toyota Tundra westbound on US Hwy 61 in the left turn lane, and 27 year old Jarard Caballero was driving a 1997 Dodge Intrepid westbound on US Hwy 61 through the intersection. Laiche was attempting to turn left to travel southbound on LA Hwy 641 when the front of Matt’s Ford struck the driver’s side of Laiche’s Tundra. As a result, the Ford and the Tundra then struck the driver’s side of Caballero’s Intrepid. Laiche was unrestrained at the time of the crash and suffered serious injuries. He was transported from the scene to St. James Parish Hospital. He was later transported to University Hospital in New Orleans where he succumbed to his injuries on February 26, 2014. Although impairment is not considered to be a factor in the crash, toxicology samples were taken from all drivers involved and submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Both Matt and Caballero were properly restrained and suffered only minor injuries. This crash remains under investigation, and charges may be pending. Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of seatbelt use. Louisiana law requires that every person in a motor vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain buckled up. Statistics show that the chances of surviving a violent crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Taking the time to buckle up before every trip is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. Contact Information: | |||
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