Larose – On November 12, 2021, shortly before 7:00 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop C was notified of a single-vehicle fatality crash on Louisiana Highway 24 about 2 miles north of Louisiana Highway 3235. The crash claimed the life of 61-year-old Steven Thorton of Opelousas.
The preliminary investigation revealed Thorton was traveling south on LA Hwy 24 in a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. For reasons still under investigation, the Chevrolet ran off of the roadway to the right before striking a bridge railing and coming to rest on its roof.
Thorton was unrestrained at the time of the crash. He suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A toxicology sample was collected from Thorton and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
While not all crashes are survivable, taking just 3 seconds to buckle up can greatly increase your chances of surviving. Drivers should ensure they and their passengers are properly restrained in all seating positions, day or night.
Troop C has investigated 32 fatal crashes resulting in 37 deaths in 2021.