| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7970 | 2016-06-23 | Troop L | Troopers Investigate Two Separate Fatal Crashes in Tangipahoa Parish |
TROOP L- NEWS RELEASE June 23, 2016 Troopers Investigate Two Separate Fatal Crashes in Tangipahoa Parish Tangipahoa Parish- Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to two separate fatality crashes in Tangipahoa Parish this morning. The crashes claimed the lives of 68 year-old Bobby Joe Benson of Winfield, AL and 64 year-old James L. Pittman of Kentwood, LA. The first fatal crash occurred shortly after 9:00 AM on Interstate 12 just east of LA 1249 [Pumpkin Center Rd.] in Hammond. The initial crash investigation led Troopers to determine Bobby Joe Benson was driving a 2003 Ford Explorer eastbound on Interstate 12 in the left lane. On-scene evidence indicated that Benson’s vehicle abruptly exited the roadway to the left. After exiting the roadway, the vehicle entered the center median where it then crashed into a light pole and cable barrier system. Benson was transported from the scene to North Oaks Health Systems Hospital in Hammond in critical condition. Shortly after his arrival, Benson was pronounced deceased by the on-duty emergency room physician. Physical evidence was not indicative of a fatal crash and Benson was wearing his seat belt at the time of the collision. Presently, Troopers are investigating Benson’s medical history as a possible contributing factor to the crash. Investigators did obtain blood samples as part of the on-going fatality investigation. The samples will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Labe for analysis. The second crash occurred shortly after 9:30 AM on LA 38 west of Interstate 55 in Kentwood. Troopers were able to determine that James L. Pittman was riding a 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on LA 38. Pittman was traveling behind a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 21 year-old Kayla Stilley of Kentwood. The crash sequence occurred as the Malibu slowed to turn left into a private drive. Pittman was unable to stop his motorcycle and swerved towards the left, crashing into the left rear of the Malibu. After striking the Malibu, Pittman’s motorcycle traveled into the westbound lane, where he was hit head-on by a 2000 Ford pick-up truck driven by 81 year-old Huey Collier of Greensburg. Pittman sustained significant injuries in the crash despite wearing a DOT approved helmet. He was transported to Hood Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased by the on-duty emergency room physician. Impairment is not suspected in this crash. As part of the on-going fatality investigation, all involved drivers provided voluntary breathe samples which detected no trace amounts of alcohol. Blood samples were also obtained from Pittman. The samples will be sent to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. There are no invitations to a significant or fatal crash. They occur on any day of the week, at any time of the day, and in all weather conditions. Troopers ask that motorist do everything in their power to avoid these preventable tragedies. Please speak to your loved ones about the importance of avoiding distractions, never driving impaired, and always wearing a seat belt. The simple adherence to this advice could be lifesaving.
| |||
| No attachments for this article. | |||