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The preliminary investigation revealed a 2006 Chevrolet Colorado driven by 63-year-old Jerry Garrett of Bienville, Louisiana was driven around road closure barricades at the intersection of LA 4 and LA 9. As Garrett proceeded east on LA 9 upon the flooded highway, his vehicle drifted off of the right side of the roadway into deeper water and became fully submerged. A nearby group of citizens rushed into action to rescue both Garrett and his wife, 70-year-old Leilani Garrett also from Bienville. The rescuers were able to get both of the occupants out of the vehicle before it was swept away by flood waters.

Mr. Garrett did not survive the incident and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Bienville Parish Coroner. Mrs. Garrett was transported to Bienville Medical Center with moderate injuries.

Impairment is not suspected in this crash, but toxicology samples were obtained and will be submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation and the vehicle is still missing.

“This is a tragic situation,” said Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Mike Edmonson. “I ask anyone who is driving in areas affected by the weather to avoid flooded roadways and to not go around barricades that are in place for their protection.”

Louisiana state law prohibits motorists from traveling around road closure barricades and requires motorists to obey all warning signs. The decision to drive around barricades or to ignore warning signs can have deadly consequences.

For information about road closures you may dial 511 or obtain information online at www.511la.org or www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice.

Contact Information:
TFC Matt Harris
Louisiana State Police
Troop G Public Affairs
Office: (318)741-7411
matt.harris@la.gov
www.LSP.org
www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice