| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 773 | 2010-06-03 | Troop A | Drunken Driver Causes Double-Fatal Crash in Ascension Parish |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP A - NEWS RELEASE
Drunken Driver Causes Double-Fatal Crash in Ascension Parish St. Amant – Louisiana State Police Troop A investigated a two-vehicle fatal crash that claimed two lives in Ascension Parish on LA 431 east of US 61 today just before noon. Troopers’ investigation revealed that William R. Helmke (W/M, age 30) of Central was driving a 2008 GMC Pickup west on LA 431 when he crossed the center line in a curve and struck a 1995 Nissan Pickup head on. The driver of the Nissan, Remy Schexnayder (W/M, age 73) of Livingston, was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Schexnayder’s female passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Ascension Parish Coroner. The passenger’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Helmke was injured in the crash and was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales. Troopers have charged Helmke with Vehicular Homicide (2 counts), 3rd Offense DWI, Driving Under Suspension (while suspended for previous DWI), Driving Left of Center, and Open Container. Upon his release from the hospital, Helmke will be booked into the Ascension Parish Jail in Donaldsonville. Troopers have submitted a sample of Helmke’s blood to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis. Although Troopers do not suspect alcohol or drug use by Schexnayder, they have submitted a sample of his blood to the crime lab as well. Impaired drivers remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatal crashes on Louisiana’s highways. There is no excuse for an intoxicated person to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Troopers will continue to do everything they can to eliminate impaired driving on the roadways. Through partnerships with local and state agencies and non-profit organizations, Louisiana State Police has effectively reduced the number of alcohol and drug related fatal crashes. With help from partners such as the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Troopers will continue an aggressive enforcement and education campaign to keep impaired drivers off the roadways. Remember, there is no excuse for driving while impaired! Alcohol or drugs, impairment is impairment! Drive Drunk, Get Arrested!! Contact Information: TFC Russell G. Graham II Public Affairs Unit Louisiana State Police – Troop A Office: (225) 754-8524 russell.graham@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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