| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 708 | 2009-02-23 | Troop A | Two Fatal Crashes over Mardi Gras Weekend |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE Two Fatal Crashes over Mardi Gras Weekend BATON ROUGE – A single-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle claimed the life of a 39-year-old Geismar man yesterday just before 3:00 p.m. in Ascension Parish. Alphonzo Massey (B/M, age 39) was traveling south on LA 940 south of LA 44 at a high rate of speed when, according to witnesses, he lost control of the 2003 Suzuki Motorcycle, fell off the motorcycle, and struck a culvert on the west side of the road. Massey died because of his injuries. He was wearing a DOT approved helmet and alcohol use is not suspected to have been a factor. However, Troopers have submitted Massey’s blood to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. The second fatal crash that occurred this weekend took place on LA 77 south of Fordoche in Pointe Coupee Parish at approximately 11:00 p.m. last night. James R. Hatch (B/M, age 54) of Fordoche, LA was backing a 2007 Mack Truck into a private driveway on LA 77 with the truck still partially in the roadway. Diana Gautreaux (W/F, age 62) of Melville, LA was driving her 1984 Toyota Corolla south on LA 77 when she struck the driver’s side of the Mack truck near the rear tires. Gautreaux was conscious and talking at the scene of the crash, where Troopers determined that she was impaired from alcohol consumption. Gautreaux later died at the hospital. Troopers have submitted Gautreaux’s blood to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. Hatch was arrested and booked into Pointe Coupee Parish Jail for Improper Backing and Negligent Homicide. Although Hatch was not suspected of being impaired, he consented to a chemical test for intoxication at the jail and gave a proper sample to the Intoxilyzer showing that he had no alcohol in his system. The weekend is nearing its end, but the Mardi Gras Holiday continues through Tuesday. Troopers would like to remind motorists to use caution while driving, especially during this time. Although State Troopers are aggressively patrolling the area, there are more impaired and sleepy drivers on our roadways than usual. Motorists are encouraged to remain alert while driving and to report aggressive or erratic driving by dialing *LSP (*577) from their cell phones.
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