Aggrostats

The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 56 year old Antonio Zapata of New Orleans, LA was traveling eastbound on Interstate 10 in a 2007 Toyota Sequoia. As Zapata crossed the LA 415 overpass, his left rear tire blew out. Zapata lost control of his vehicle and crossed the median into the westbound lanes of Interstate 10. At the same time, Gooch was traveling westbound on Interstate 10 in a 1999 Lexus RX 300. Zapata’s vehicle struck Gooch’s vehicle on the driver’s side. Gooch’s vehicle overturned twice after impact.

Although Gooch was properly restrained, she received fatal injuries as a result of the crash. She was pronounced deceased at the scene by the West Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office. Zapata was restrained and received minor injuries. Zapata’s six passengers also received minor injuries and were transported to area hospitals. Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash. A toxicology sample will be taken from both drivers and submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

Upon release from the hospital, Zapata will be booked into the West Baton Rouge Parish Jail and charged with Negligent Homicide, Careless Operation, Child Restraint Violations, and No Insurance.

Louisiana State Troopers want to remind motorists to make sure their vehicles are properly maintenance before traveling this 4^th of July weekend. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and check them for wear. Also remember that all occupants of a motor vehicle must be restrained, regardless of seating position. While not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. Wearing a seat belt greatly reduces the chances of receiving serious injuries in a crash as well.

Contact Information:
TFC Bryan Lee
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section – Troop A
Office: (225) 754-8524
bryan.lee@la.gov
www.LSP.org
www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice