TROOP E - NEWS RELEASE
August 4, 2011
Pedestrian Killed In Natchitoches Parish Crash Earlier today, a crash involving two vehicles and a pedestrian killed a man from Grand Cane, LA.
Troopers responded to the crash around 3:00 pm, which occurred on I-49 near LA Hwy 119. The crash involved a 2005 Mack (18 wheeler), driven by Steven Gipson (B/M 44 yrs) of Wills Point, TX, 1995 Ford pickup, and a pedestrian, identified as John G. Perry Jr. (W/M 51 yrs). The Mack was south bound on I-49 traveling in the outside lane while the Ford was stopped on the outside shoulder of I-49 southbound due to a tire failure. Perry Jr. was standing in the driver’s doorway of the Ford, with the door open, prior to the crash. Gipson’s vehicle traveled onto the south bound outside shoulder and collided with the Ford before colliding with Perry Jr.
Gipson was not injured.
Perry Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene. Perry’s only passenger, identified as Victor W. Thrasher (W/M 49 yrs) of Gloster, LA, was not injured.
Routine toxicology tests and charges are pending. The crash remains under investigation.
If your vehicle becomes disabled due to tire failure, remember the first thing to consider is your safety. If you are on a bridge or a part of the highway with limited shoulder space, then proceed on until you reach an area that is safe such as an exit ramp or parking lot. Try to always carry some type of warning device such as flares or reflectors. Place these warning devices at least two hundred feet in the direction of traffic that will endanger you. Any motorist that feels he/she needs assistance may call Louisiana State Police at *577 (*LSP) from any cellular phone.
Troop E troopers have investigated 40 fatal crashes for the year of 2011, resulting in 42 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
|