| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7035 | 2018-05-14 | Troop I | Deadly Afternoon in Acadiana Leaves Two Dead in Separate Crashes |
| TROOP I NEWS RELEASE May 14, 2018 Deadly Afternoon in Acadiana Leaves Two Dead in Separate Crashes Yesterday afternoon, Troopers investigated two fatal crashes within an hour in the Acadiana area. The crashes resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries. Iberia Parish – Shortly after 5:20 pm on May 13, 2018, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a single vehicle fatality crash on LA 83 near David J. Berard Rd. The crash took the life of 19 year old Zackery Hardman of Harrison, WV. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 19 year old Katherine Fuselier of Lafayette was operating a 2003 Jeep Rubicon northbound on LA 83 and failed to negotiate a left curve. The Jeep ran off of the right side of the roadway and began to overturn. Hardman was wearing a seat belt, but sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased on scene by the Iberia Parish Coroner’s Office. Fuselier was wearing a seat belt and sustained moderate injuries. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment. It is unknown if impairment was a factor in this crash, but a toxicology sample was taken from Fuselier and submitted for analysis. Fuselier was cited for Careless Operation, but this crash remains under investigation. Acadia Parish – Shortly after 6:20 pm on May 13, 2018, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I began investigating a two vehicle fatality crash on LA 13 near Schultz Road in Acadia Parish. The crash took the life of 24 year old Gregory Leger of Rayne. The initial investigation by State Police revealed that the crash occurred as 46 year old Karmen Lomas of Eunice was traveling on LA 13 in a 2017 Ford Expedition. For reasons still under investigation, Lomas crossed the centerline and struck a northbound 2007 Chevrolet Impala operated by Leger. Leger was unrestrained and sustained critical injuries as a result of the crash. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Lomas was wearing a seat belt and sustained moderate injuries, and was transported to a local hospital. It is unknown if impairment was a factor in this crash, but a toxicology sample was taken from both drivers for analysis. This crash remains under investigation and charges are pending. Louisiana State Troopers wish to remind motorists that while not all crashes are survivable, statistics show that the chances of surviving a crash rise significantly when properly restrained. All occupants of a motor vehicle must be restrained, regardless of seating position. 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. | |||
| No attachments for this article. | |||