| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 6481 | 2016-05-28 | Statewide | Tragic Start to Memorial Day Holiday has Troopers Urging Safety |
| HEADQUARTERS NEWS RELEASE May 28, 2016 Tragic Start to Memorial Day Holiday has Troopers Urging Safety As families and friends get together across our state to honor those who have served and died in our armed forces this Memorial Day weekend, Troopers again urge safety and personal responsibility after investigating 5 fatal crashes with 7 deaths. Between yesterday and this morning, we’re already at last year’s total in deaths on our highways. Memorial Day weekend has tragically been deadly over the past several years for our citizens. Simply by taking precautions such as never driving impaired, distracted, or fatigued and wearing your seat belt, we can greatly increase the chances for everyone to arrive at their destination safely. Last night, two separate crashes resulted in 4 deaths and 3 injuries. Terrebonne Parish – The evening’s first crash took place shortly after 8:00 pm on LA 56 near Tammy Street in Chauvin, LA. Troopers began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that took the life of two friends in one vehicle, and the life of a father while driving his family in the other vehicle. Preliminary investigation revealed 52 year old Lloyd Lecompte Jr. of Montegut, LA, was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette southbound on LA 56 at a high rate of speed. For unknown reasons, Lecompte crossed the center line and struck a 2002 Dodge Ram pickup head-on. It was being driven northbound on LA 56 by 43 year old Eugene Rodrigue of Chauvin, LA. Rodrigue was killed in the collision. Lecompte and his front seat passenger, 50 year old Chauvin resident Paul Broussard, also suffered fatal injuries. The three were pronounced deceased by the Terrebonne Parish Coroner’s Office. Rodrigue’s wife and front seat passenger, 35 year old Desi Rodrigue, also of Chauvin, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. Their two sons, a 16 year old and 13 year old, were in the rear seat. Both suffered moderate injuries and were transported to the hospital. Impairment is suspected on the part of Lecompte, but not for Rodrigue; however, standard toxicology tests are pending. Desi Rodrigue was not properly restrained during the crash, and it is still under investigation to see if the 16 year old son was restrained. All other occupants in both vehicles were properly restrained during the crash. St. Tammany Parish – The evening’s second crash took place on the Northshore. Early this morning at approximately 2:15 am, Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a single vehicle crash that claimed the life of 39 year old Brent Dupree of Slidell. The crash occurred on US 190 at Red Mill Drive, just east of I-10. Preliminary investigation revealed that Dupree was driving a 2009 Dodge pickup east on US 190 at Red Mill Drive. For unknown reasons, the Dodge crossed the center line and ran off the road to the left. It then traveled through a ditch, struck a dirt embankment and overturned. Despite the fact that Dupree was properly restrained, he was pronounced dead on the scene by the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office. Impairment is unknown, and a toxicology test will be performed following an autopsy. The crash remains under investigation. “It is always a tragedy to see families grieving over the loss of loved ones from something that is preventable,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police Superintendent. “No matter how you decide to celebrate during our holidays or any occasion, you need to plan ahead to do it safely. Always designate a sober driver, obey all traffic laws, and always wear your seat belt. Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families at this time” Motorists that witness hazardous road conditions and/or reckless drivers are urged to call *LSP (*577) and report that activity to the nearest Louisiana State Police Troop headquarters. The Louisiana State Police wish everyone a SAFE and happy Memorial Day weekend. | |||
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