Oakdale, Louisiana - Louisiana State Police Troop I initiated an investigation into a serious two-vehicle collision on Louisiana Highway 10, just west of Beaver Road, in Oakdale, Louisiana, at around 7 am on December 14, 2023. Tragically, the collision resulted in the passing of Eddie Brunson (female), aged 75 and from Oakdale, Louisiana.

Initial findings showed that Lucas Lemaire from Franklin was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado heading west on LA Hwy 10, while Brunson was traveling east in a 2018 Ford Escape. The Chevrolet crossed into the opposite lane and collided head-on with the Ford for reasons still being looked into. It is yet to be determined if Lemaire was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, whereas Brunson was found to have been properly restrained.

Both drivers sustained severe injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital, where unfortunately Brunson passed away due to her injuries. Standard toxicology samples are awaiting analysis for both drivers as part of the ongoing investigation.

Louisiana State Police indicated that while this incident is still being investigated, it's crucial to prioritize safe driving for your own well-being and that of others on the road. Adhering to speed limits and traffic regulations can help reduce the likelihood of crashes. Avoiding distractions such as texting or using mobile devices while driving is essential for staying focused on the road. Above all, never drive under the influence, as impaired driving can have fatal consequences.

So far in 2023, Troop I has handled 51 fatal crashes resulting in 56 fatalities.