| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7679 | 2012-01-23 | Troop I | Unrestrained Passenger Killed in St. Martin Parish Crash |
TROOP I - NEWS RELEASE January 23, 2012 Unrestrained Passenger Killed in St. Martin Parish Crash Henderson – Louisiana State Police Troop I investigated a single-vehicle crash this morning that claimed the life of an unrestrained passenger. The crash occurred on LA 352 north of LA 96 (south of Henderson) shortly before 5:00 am. Troopers’ preliminary investigation revealed that Bryan Howe (W/M, age 34) of St. Martinville was driving a 1996 Toyota SUV north on LA 352 when he lost control. The Toyota began to rotate counter-clockwise as it ran off the roadway to the left and struck a tree with its right rear side. Howe was restrained when the crash occurred and sustained minor injuries. The rear seat passenger, Elizabeth Howe (W/F, age 55) of St. Martinville, was unrestrained when the crash occurred and sustained fatal injuries. She was pronounced deceased on the scene by the St. Martin Parish Coroner’s Office. The front seat passenger, Sally Thibodeaux (W/F, age 22) of St. Martinville, was properly restrained and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Thibodeaux and Bryan Howe were both transported to a local hospital for treatment. Troopers have charged Howe with careless operation, no driver’s license, and operating a vehicle without required equipment. Troopers remind motorists AND vehicle occupants of the importance of seat belt use. Louisiana law requires seat belts to be properly worn at all times and in all seating locations in a vehicle while it is being operated on a public roadway. Regardless of the type of crash, properly wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to reduce the risk of injury and death. Not only does the seat belt keep the occupant inside the vehicle, but it can also keep the occupant from striking other things or people inside the vehicle. Contact Information: Tpr. Stephen Hammons | |||
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