| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7604 | 2009-01-10 | Troop I | Two Separate Crashes Claim Three Lives in Acadia Parish |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP I- NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Date: January 10, 2009 Two Separate Crashes Claim Three Lives in Acadia Parish After daybreak this morning, three people died in two crashes that happened moments apart in Acadia Parish on LA 97. First Crash (Head-On): A 1997 Nissan pick-up, driven by Timothy Lowry (W/M, 28, of Jennings, LA), was traveling south on LA 97 north of LA 98. A 2002 Ford Mustang, driven by Hayward Labbe Jr. (B/M, 41, of Lake Charles, LA), was traveling north on LA 97 approaching the Nissan. The Nissan crossed the centerline of LA 97 and struck the Ford head-on. The Nissan came to rest partially in the northbound lane and northbound shoulder. The Ford came to rest in the southbound lane. There was a passenger in the Nissan, Alicia Fruge (W/F, 27, of Jennings, LA). Both occupants of the Nissan sustained fatal injuries in the head-on crash. Second Crash: Moments after the initial crash, a southbound 2000 Peterbilt tractor (18-wheeler), driven by William Ratcliff Jr. (W/M, 26, of Basile, LA), struck the passenger side of the Mustang while still in its at rest position from the first crash. The Mustang was pushed approximately 150 feet before stopping on the northbound shoulder. The Mustang driver, Labbe, also sustained fatal injuries in the crashes; however, it is unknown which collision killed him. Alcohol use is unknown on the part of Lowry, but blood results are pending. Lowry and Fruge were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Alcohol/Drug use is not suspected on any of the other drivers and both other drivers were wearing their seatbelts. No charges have been filed in these crashes. These crashes occurred on January 10, 2009 some time between 6:30 and 6:40 AM. Senior Trooper McFarlain is continuing his investigation of the first crash, and Senior Trooper Hanks is continuing his investigation of the second crash. Contact Information: TFC Gilbert Dardar Jr. Public Information Officer Louisiana State Police - Troop C Office: (985) 857-3683 Cell: (985) 855-0241 Gilbert.Dardar@dps.la.gov WWW.LSP.ORG | |||
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