| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1640 | 2018-10-25 | Troop B | Unrestrained Slidell Man Killed in I-55 Crash |
| TROOP B NEWS RELEASE October 25, 2018 Unrestrained Slidell Man Killed in I-55 Crash St. John the Baptist Parish – This afternoon, at approximately 4:15 pm, Louisiana State Police Troop B was notified of a two vehicle fatal crash that claimed the life of 23 year-old Justin Weaver of Slidell, LA. The crash occurred on I-55 south at mile post 11.7. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2015 Freightliner, driven by 38 year-old Sidney Jarrell of Denham Springs, LA, was stopped in the right lane due to traffic congestion from a previous crash. A 2009 Mazda MZ6, driven by Weaver, was traveling in the left lane approaching the stopped traffic. For reasons still under investigation, Weaver was unable to stop the Mazda in time, swerved to the right, and struck the rear of the Freightliner. Weaver was not wearing a seat belt and was pronounced dead on the scene. The front seat passenger in the Mazda, 22 year-old Samantha Niemeck was wearing a seat belt and was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. Jarrell also had a seat belt on and was transported with minor injuries. Impairment is unknown and toxicology results are pending an autopsy for Weaver. Jarrell voluntarily submitted to a blood test which will be analyzed by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. The crash remains under investigation. The majority of motorists who die in crashes are not wearing a seat belt. Despite this fact, some people still choose not to take the 3 seconds needed to buckle a seat belt. Louisiana law requires motorists to wear a seat belt in every seating position, front seat and back seat, day and night. Wearing a seat belt is the single most effective thing vehicle occupants can do to minimize the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Please be a responsible driver, obey speed limits, drive sober, buckle up, and avoid distractions at all times. Contact Information: | |||
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