| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 5039 | 2014-11-20 | Troop F | Five Family Members Killed in Crash Enroute to Disney World |
TROOP F NEWS RELEASE November 20, 2014 Five Family Members Killed in Crash Enroute to Disney World MONROE - On November 19, 2014, at 10:46 p.m., Troopers assigned to Louisiana State Police Troop F in Monroe responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate Highway 20 just west of Calhoun that claimed the lives of five family members from Texas. The family was traveling from Texas to Walt Disney World in Florida for a family vacation. The preliminary investigation revealed a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by a 16-year-old juvenile, was traveling east on Interstate 20 when the vehicle ran off the road to the left into the median. After entering the median, the driver overcorrected and the vehicle began to rollover. As the vehicle was rolling over, six of the eight occupants were ejected. Five passengers were pronounced dead at the scene by the Ouachita Parish Coroner’s Office. The dead include 3 children ages 4, 7, and 15 as well as 2 adults, Michael and Trudi Hardman of Terrell, Texas. The 16-year-old driver, who was properly restrained, was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. Two additional passengers were taken to local hospitals with moderate injuries. None of the ejected passengers were wearing a seatbelt. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of the people affected by this tragic crash,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, Louisiana State Police Superintendent. “Crashes like this one don’t just affect the people involved. They affect family members, friends, Troopers, first responders and the community at large. In an instance this family vacation turned into an unspeakable tragedy. I cannot stress enough the importance of wearing a seatbelt anytime you are in a vehicle.” Troopers suspect the driver may have fallen asleep prior to the crash. Although impairment is not suspected, a toxicology sample was obtained from the driver and will be submitted for analysis as required by law. The crash remains under investigation. Louisiana state law requires vehicle occupants to be properly restrained in all seating positions, day and night. Adults should always make the responsible choice to wear a seat belt whenever traveling and ensure their children are properly restrained as well. The simple act of buckling a seat belt may mean the difference between life and death in the event of a crash. Contact Information: | |||
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