St. Martin Parish – Shortly before 5:00 p.m. on April 10, 2023, Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 70 at Stephenville Road in St. Martin Parish. The crash ultimately claimed the life of 79-year-old Nelson Cheramie of Berwick.
The preliminary investigation revealed Cheramie was driving a 2014 Lexus E350 southbound on LA 70. At the same time, a 2007 Honda Accord was traveling north on LA 70, being driven by 23-year-old Terrance Brown of Plaquemine. For reasons still under investigation, the Accord struck the Lexus head-on in the southbound lane of LA 70.
Cheramie was restrained but was transported to local hospital in critical condition. Brown was also restrained and was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. Impairment is unknown, but standard toxicology samples were obtained from both drivers and sent to LPS Crime Lab for analysis. This crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.
On April 17, 2023, Troop I was notified Cheramie succumbed to his injuries.
While the exact cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted driving remains a significant cause of many preventable crashes. State Police would like to remind all drivers to stay vigilant while behind the wheel. Never text and drive (which includes using social media, reading/sending email, or watching videos) and always have a designated driver if you have consumed anything that makes you feel different. Making good choices while in motor vehicles such as always ensuring every occupant is properly restrained and not driving impaired or distracted can often mean the difference between life and death.
Troop I has investigated 17 fatal crashes resulting in 19 deaths since the beginning of 2023.