Iberia Parish – On August 23, 2024, shortly after 7:00 p.m., a single-vehicle crash occurred on LA Hwy 87 near LSU Bridge Road in Jeanerette. The crash claimed the life of 45-year-old Felix Richard of New Iberia.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Richard was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro south on LA Hwy 87. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet veered off the road to the right, entered a ditch, and struck an embankment before striking a tree.
Richard, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Standard toxicology samples were collected for analysis in all three crashes, which remain under investigation.
Overnight, single-vehicle crashes in the Acadiana area resulted in the loss of five lives, leaving their families changed forever due to preventable motor vehicle crashes. Troopers wish to remind motorists that although not all crashes are survivable, wearing your seatbelt drastically decreases your chance of injury or death during a crash. Additionally, distracted, inattentive, and reckless driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state. Taking simple precautions like ensuring every occupant is wearing a seatbelt, following all traffic laws, and adhering to speed limits increases safety on the road.