Iberia Parish – On January 16, 2023, shortly before 8:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop I was notified of a single-vehicle fatal crash on South Lewis Street near the intersection with US Highway 90. The crash claimed the life of 62-year-old John Rodrigue of New Iberia.
The preliminary investigation revealed Rodrigue was traveling south on South Lewis Street while driving a 2014 Ford F-150. For reasons still under investigation, the F-150 traveled off the roadway to the right and struck a utility pole before entering a drainage canal and overturning.
Rodrigue, who was restrained at the time of the crash, was unable to exit the submerged F-150 and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A toxicology sample was collected from Rodrigue and submitted for analysis.
While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, motorists should always make good decisions while operating motor vehicles. Never drive while impaired, fatigued, or distracted.
Troop I has investigated 6 fatal crashes resulting in 7 deaths in 2023.