| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1954 | 2013-06-06 | Troop B | Lafitte, LA Man Dies from Injuries Sustained in Vehicle Crash |
TROOP B - NEWS RELEASE June 6, 2013 Lafitte, LA Man Dies from Injuries Sustained in Vehicle Crash On Saturday, May 18, 2013, at approximately 12:15 PM, Louisiana State Police Troop B responded to a serious injury crash on LA 3134 at LA 45. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2006 Chevrolet truck, driven by Steve Phelps (W/M, age 26) of Summit, MS, was stopped in the median opening on LA 3134 facing east. As the Chevrolet proceeded across LA 3134 north into the right lane, it struck a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Daniel Klaffer (W/M, age 71) of Lafitte, LA that was traveling in the right lane of LA 3134 north. After the initial impact, the Chevrolet truck rolled onto its roof and came to rest. Phelps was wearing a seat belt and received minor injuries, however Klaffer was not wearing a seat belt and suffered critical injuries. Klaffer was transported to the Interim LSU Public Hospital Level 1 Trauma Center. Klaffer died on June 3, 2013 from injuries sustained in the crash. Speed and impairment are not considered factors of the crash, however the investigation is on-going. Phelps submitted to a blood test and toxicology results are pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Phelps was originally charged with Failure to Yield from a Stop Sign and Negligent Injuring. Additional charges are pending. While not all crashes are survivable, seat belts can greatly decrease an occupant’s chance of death and may greatly reduce the extent of injury. Troopers witness firsthand the remarkable difference the use of a seatbelt makes in reducing injuries and fatalities in crashes. Louisiana law requires every vehicle occupant, front seat and back seat, to be properly restrained day or night. Taking the time to buckle up every trip and every time is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. Contact Information: TFC Melissa Matey Louisiana State Police – Troop B Public Affairs Unit Office: (504) 471-2780 Melissa.matey@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice | |||
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