| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8035 | 2013-01-17 | Troop L | Troopers Investigate Early Morning Fatal Crash in St. Helena |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP L NEWS RELEASE January 17, 2013 Troopers Investigate Early Morning Fatal Crash in St. Helena St. Helena Parish- This morning shortly after 5:00 am, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a single vehicle fatal crash on LA 16 approximately half a mile west of the St. Helena / Tangipahoa Parish line. The crash resulted in fatal injuries for the 33 year old unrestrained driver, David Fontenot Jr. of Baton Rouge, LA. Troopers investigation revealed that the crash occurred as Fontenot was traveling east on LA 16 in a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle drifted off road to the right. As the Grand Cherokee left the paved roadway, it rotated in a counterclockwise direction and traveled for approximately 250 feet along the grass shoulder before impacting a parked John Deere 750J Dozer. After impact, the Grand Cherokee overturned and came to rest on its left driver’s side facing north. Fontenot was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Helena Parish Coroner’s Office. Impairment is unknown at this time pending the completion of a toxicology examination. Troopers do not suspect weather or road conditions to have been a factor in the crash; however, motorists are urged to remain vigilant when behind the wheel. Making poor decisions in a vehicle such as driving impaired, driving while fatigued, or not wearing a seat belt leads to serious injuries and deaths every day across the state. Making the responsible decision can mean the difference between life and death. Motorists that witness hazardous situations and/or reckless drivers are urged to call *LSP (*577) and report that activity to the Louisiana State Police. 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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