| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8608 | 2011-08-05 | Troop L | Overnight Crashes take Two Lives in St. Tammany Parish |
| TROOP L NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release August 5th, 2011 Overnight Crashes take Two Lives in St. Tammany Parish St. Tammany - Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated two separate fatal crashes overnight resulting in two deaths across St. Tammany Parish. The first crash occurred at 08:55 pm on LA 40 approximately 6 miles east of Folsom. Troopers’ investigation revealed that a 1998 Nissan pickup truck, driven by John Lloyd (W/M age 80) of Covington, LA, was traveling east on LA 40 when, for unknown reasons, it drifted left across the center line of the roadway. As the Nissan pickup crossed into the oncoming lane, it entered the path of a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, driven by Carol Lee (W/F age 64) of Folsom, LA, causing a head-on collision in the westbound lane of travel. Lloyd was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office. Lee was wearing a seatbelt and was transported to St. Tammany Parish Hospital with minor injuries. The results of a toxicology exam are pending for both drivers. The second crash occurred at 11:19 pm on LA 21 at its intersection with Grande Hills Blvd. approximately 2 miles north of LA 1083. Preliminary investigation revealed that the crash occurred as a 2008 Triumph motorcycle, operated by Donald Stockman (W/M age 46) of Bush, LA, was traveling south on LA 21. As the motorcycle proceeded southbound, a 2002 Honda Civic, driven by Bailey Wenk (W/F age 22) of Covington, LA, turned left into the entrance of Grande Hills crossing directly into the path of the Triumph motorcycle. The motorcycle then impacted the right passenger side of the Honda Civic ejecting Stockman and his passenger, Heather Brewster (W/F age 34) of Madisonville, LA, onto the roadway. Brewster sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office. Stockman was transported to St. Tammany Parish Hospital with moderate injuries. Both Stockman and Brewster were wearing DOT approved helmets at the time of the crash. Impairment is not suspected with a blood sample from Stockman pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Wenk was wearing a seatbelt and received no injuries in the crash. She submitted to a breath alcohol test showing no detectable signs of alcohol in her system. Wenk was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail charged with Failure to Yield while Turning Left and Negligent Homicide. In the past week, Troop L has investigated four fatal crashes resulting in four deaths across the troop area. While the causes of the crashes differ, contributing factors including lack of seat belt use, driver impairment, and driver inattention played a significant role in each. Making poor decisions in a vehicle such as driving impaired, driving while distracted, 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. Contact Information: | |||
| No attachments for this article. | |||