| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8002 | 2013-02-07 | Troop L | Unrestrained Driver Killed in Tangipahoa Parish Crash |
TROOP L NEWS RELEASE February 7, 2013 Unrestrained Driver Killed in Tangipahoa Parish Crash Ponchatoula, LA- Shortly before 1:00 pm this afternoon, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a single vehicle fatal crash on LA 445 approximately two miles north of LA 22 in Tangipahoa Parish. The crash took the life of the unrestrained driver, 33 year old Justin Estopinal of Madisonville, LA. Troopers’ investigation revealed that Estopinal was traveling north on LA 445 in a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox when, for unknown reasons, he failed to maneuver a left curve in the roadway. As the Chevrolet SUV ran off road to the right, it entered the northbound ditch and struck a dirt embankment causing it to become airborne and overturn. The Chevrolet continued in a northeasterly direction impacting a utility pole and a large tree with its roof before coming to rest on the east side of LA 445. Estopinal was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office. Drug impairment is suspected to be a factor in the crash with a toxicology analysis to be conducted by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Poor decisions such as driving while impaired and not wearing a seatbelt once again proved to be a fatal combination. Making these decisions while behind the wheel often leads to serious injuries and deaths every day in our state. Making the responsible decision can mean the difference between life and death. To report impaired drivers or unsafe roadway conditions, dial *LSP (*577) from your cellular phone to reach the State Police office closest to you. Contact Information: TFC Nick Manale Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Unit Office: (985) 893-6250 Ext:628 Nicholas.Manale@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice | |||
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