| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 129 | 2017-02-26 | Troop A | 6 Year Old Dies after Parents Vehicle was Struck by Impaired Driver in Ascension Parish |
| TROOP A NEWS RELEASE February 26, 2017 6 Year Old Dies after Parents Vehicle was Struck by Impaired Driver in Ascension Parish Gonzales, LA – Shortly after 10:00 pm on February 25, 2017, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a two vehicle fatality crash on Interstate 10 eastbound east of LA 44 in Ascension Parish. The crash took the life of 6 year old Samantha Keating of Paulina, LA and resulted in the arrest of 29 year old Kenneth Lewis of Geismar, LA. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as Lewis was traveling eastbound on Interstate 10 at a high rate of speed. At the same time, Natalie Keating was traveling eastbound on Interstate 10 ahead of Lewis. Lewis failed to reduce his speed as he was approaching Keating and his 2011 Ford Mustang struck the rear of Keating’s 2013 Toyota Highlander. The impact caused both vehicles to travel into the median and strike multiple trees. Samantha Keating was properly restrained and sustained serious injuries in the crash. She was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital where she was later pronounced deceased by medical personnel. Natalie Keating and Anthony Keating were properly restrained and sustained moderate injuries in the crash. They were transported to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center for treatment. Lewis was also restrained and was not injured. Lewis was impaired at the time of the crash and was placed under arrest by Troopers. Lewis was booked into the Ascension Parish Jail for DWI 1st Offense, Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Negligent Injuring (2 counts), Reckless Operation, Obstruction of Justice, and Open Container. Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that impaired driving continues to be a major problem throughout Louisiana. Whether impaired through alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two, the consequences of driving while impaired remain the same. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, and avoiding all distractions can often mean the difference between life and death.
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