Aggrostats

Crash scene investigators determined 26 year-old Katherine Blanchard of Eunice was driving a 2014 GMC Sierra westbound on US Hwy 190 and made a left turn attempting to enter Beck Miller Road. While Blanchard was making the turn, her vehicle was struck by a 1996 Mercury Marquis, traveling east on US Hwy 190. The Mercury was being driven by 20 year-old Jersawky Thomas of Eunice.

Katherine Blanchard was not wearing a seat belt and sustained minor injuries. She was transported to a local hospital and treated for her injuries. A juvenile passenger in the vehicle was properly restrained and sustained minor injuries. The juvenile was transported to a local hospital and treated for the injuries.

Jersawky Thomas was wearing a seat belt and sustained minor injuries. He was transported to a local hospital and treated for his injuries. The front seat passenger, 34 year-old Joshua Dupre, was properly restrained and sustained moderate injuries. Dupre was transported to a Lafayette hospital for his injuries. The rear passenger, 36 year-old Steven Gallow of Eunice, was not wearing a seat belt and sustained fatal injuries. The St. Landry Parish Coroner’s Office arrived on scene and pronounced Gallow deceased.

Impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash; however toxicology samples were obtained and will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis.

Katherine Blanchard was cited for Failure to Yield at a Stop/Yield Sign and No Seat Belt. This crash remains under investigation and more charges could be filed at a later date.

Please take the time to talk to your loved ones about the importance of safe decisions while driving. The consequences of poor decisions while driving can often be life altering and occur in a matter of seconds. Always wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions and never drive impaired.

Contact Information:
M/T Brooks David
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs – Troop I
Office: (337) 262-5880
brooks.david@la.gov
www.LSP.org
www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice