| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7006 | 2016-10-08 | Troop I | Unrestrained 11 Year Old Dies in Single Vehicle Crash After Being Ejected From Vehicle in Acadia Parish |
TROOP I NEWS RELEASE October 8, 2016 Unrestrained 11 Year Old Dies in Single Vehicle Crash After Being Ejected From Vehicle in Acadia Parish Acadia Parish – On October 7, 2016, shortly after 11:30 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a fatal crash that occurred on LA 98 near LA 1101 in Acadia Parish. The crash took the life of 11 year old Matiya Zachary of Rayne, LA. The initial investigation revealed that the crash occurred as 35 year-old Tashaka Butler of Rayne, LA was traveling westbound on LA 98 in a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe. For unknown reasons, Butler ran off of the left side of the roadway and overcorrected, causing the vehicle to overturn. Tashaka was not wearing a seat belt and sustained minor injuries. She was transported to a local hospital and treated for injuries sustained in the crash. Matiya Zachary was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. Matiya sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on scene by the Acadia Parish Coroner’s Office. Three other passengers from Rayne, 60 year old Alice Butler, and two juveniles were also unrestrained. All three were transported to a local hospital and treated for moderate injuries. It is unknown if impairment is a factor in this crash, but standard toxicology samples were taken from Tashaka and sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. This crash remains under investigation and charges are pending. Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that distracted driving continues to be a major problem throughout Louisiana. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as never driving while impaired, always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained, and avoiding all distractions can often mean the difference between life and death. Troop I has investigated 39 fatality crashes resulting in 40 deaths as of this date in 2016. Contact Information: | |||
| No attachments for this article. | |||