St. Martin Parish – Shortly after 6:30 p.m., on Sunday, October 23, 2022, Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I responded a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 70 south of Stephensville Elementary School in St. Martin Parish. The crash claimed the lives of 83-year-old Shirley A. Chaisson and 34-year-old Jeffrey A. Holmes, both of Morgan City.
The initial investigation revealed Chaisson was driving eastbound on LA 70 when she pulled onto the improved shoulder then attempted to perform a U-turn in the roadway. At the same time, Holmes was driving east on LA 70 on a 2019 Honda CRF motorcycle. The front of the motorcycle struck the left side of the Camry in the eastbound lane of travel.
Chaisson was unrestrained and suffered fatal injuries. Her front seat passenger was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries.
Holmes was wearing a DOT approved helmet but also suffered fatal injuries. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Martin Parish Coroner’s Office. A standard toxicology sample was obtained for analysis and this crash remains under investigation.