Aggrostats

TROOP I NEWS RELEASE

March 16, 2015

On March 15, 2015, shortly before 5:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to a two-vehicle crash on LA 87 near Briarwood Drive near Franklin, La. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Hyundai Elantra was traveling east on LA 87 when the driver, 33-year-old Teala M. Bernard of Chareton, La, drove across the centerline. Bernard’s vehicle struck a westbound 2006 Dodge Durango head-on. The Dodge Durango was being operated by 26-year-old Roni Landry of Franklin, La.

Bernard, who was wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Mary Parish Coroner’s Office. A passenger in Bernard’s vehicle, Aaren D. Brown, of Jeanerette, La, was air lifted to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition. Landry was wearing her seatbelt and was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. Two young children in Landry’s vehicle were properly retrained and were also transported to a hospital with minor injuries.

Impairment is suspected of being contributing factor in the crash. A toxicology sample was obtained from Bernard by the Coroner’s Office and will be submitted for analysis in order to determine the level of impairment.

The crash remains under investigation.

Impairment and lack of seat belt use continue to be the leading cause of fatal crashes throughout the Troop I area. Troopers urge drivers to have a designated driver at all times and everyone in every seating position must be properly restrained.

Troop I has investigated 15 fatal crashes resulting in 15 deaths this year.

Contact Information:
M/T Brooks David
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (337) 262-1917
brooks.david@la.gov