TROOP E - NEWS RELEASE
March 19, 2012
Alcohol Suspected In Natchitoches Parish Fatal Crash Late yesterday afternoon, a single vehicle crash killed a man from Robeline, LA.
Troopers responded to the crash around 5:10 pm, which occurred on Fish Hatchery Road in Natchitoches Parish. The crash involved a 2002 GMC pickup, driven by Cody L. Crittenden (W/M 26 yrs) of Natchitoches, LA. The GMC was east bound on Fish Hatchery Road when Crittenden lost control and exited the right side of the roadway. After exiting the roadway, Crittenden overcorrected his vehicle and exited the left side before traveling down an embankment and overturning into Cane River.
Crittenden was not wearing his seatbelt, but only received minor injuries. He was transported to Natchitoches Parish Hospital. Eddie D. Hayes (W/M 35 yrs) of Robeline, LA and Brandon N. McDonald (W/M 30 yrs) Mooringsport, LA were passengers in Crittenden’s vehicle. Both were not wearing their seatbelts and both were ejected. Hayes was pronounced dead. McDonald received moderate injuries and was transported to Natchitoches Parish Hospital.
Crittenden was charged with vehicular homicide.
Routine toxicology tests are pending. The crash remains under investigation.
Motorists must be reminded that alcohol has many effects on the body. Alcohol can impair visual ability, alter sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Just one drink may cause these effects. Louisiana State Police would like to take this opportunity to remind/inform motorists that properly wearing your seatbelt will dramatically reduce your chance of being injured or killed in a crash. We ask you to take one second to “buckle up!”
Troop E troopers have investigated sixteen fatal crashes for the year of 2012, resulting in eighteen fatalities.
Contact Information: S/T Daniel “Scott” Moreau Public Information Officer Louisiana State Police – Troop E Office: (318) 769-9USA (872) scott.moreau@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org
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