| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8494 | 2008-04-22 | Troop L | Firefighter Killed in Crash on Interstate 55 in Tangipahoa Parish |
| NEWS RELEASE Troop L April 22, 2008 At 9:37 PM, on April 20, 2008, Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a two vehicle crash that resulted in the death of a volunteer firefighter. The crash occurred on Interstate 55 northbound at milepost 14.9 in Tangipahoa Parish. A 2001 Ford Explorer, driven by Tyrone Jenkins (B/M/Age 33) of Marrero, LA, had overturned during a prior crash on Interstate 55 northbound and came to final rest across the left lane on its driver’s side with its top side facing northbound traffic. Two volunteer firemen from Springfield, LA, observed the crashed vehicle and stopped their vehicle on the east shoulder to render aid. The vehicle was equipped with a red strobe light which was visible in the back glass. This emergency light was activated as the firemen rendered aid to Tyrone Jenkins. A 2007 Ford Freestyle, driven by Gwendolyn Rolen (W/F/Age 39) of Amite City, LA, was northbound on the right lane, and when driver observed the emergency lights on the shoulder, she moved onto the left lane. The front of the Ford Freestyle impacted the rear top portion of the Ford Explorer. During this time, the firemen were on the opposite side of the Explorer and were unable to observe oncoming traffic. After impact the Explorer rotated counterclockwise and struck both firemen. The two volunteer firefighters involved in the crash were Riley Terrebonne Jr. (W/M/Age 30) of Springfield, LA and the second firefighter was a juvenile. Both firemen were transported to North Oaks Medical Center by Acadian Ambulance to receive medical treatment for severe injuries. At 7:50 AM, today, the Tangipahoa Parish Coroners office notified Troop L that Riley Terrebonne Jr. died at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA, as a result of his injuries that were sustained in the crash. The driver of the Ford Freestyle, Gwendolyn Rolen of Amite City, LA, was not injured in the crash. The driver was wearing her seat belt at the time of the crash. The driver of the Ford Explorer, Tyrone Jenkins of Marrero, LA, was transported to North Oaks Medical Center by Acadian Ambulance to receive medical treatment for moderate injuries. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash; blood was obtained and will be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Upon the release of Tyrone Jenkins from North Oaks Medical Center, he will be charged and booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on the following charges; Driving While Intoxicated (R.S.14:98), Two counts Vehicular Negligent Injuring (R.S.14:39.1), Careless Operation (R.S.32:58) and Expired License Plate (R.S.47:508). Contact Information: Tfc. Louis Calato Public Information Officer Louisiana State Police - Troop L Office: (985)893-6250 Louis.Calato@dps.la.gov WWW.LSP.ORG | |||
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