Florida Man Killed in Single Vehicle Crash in Louisiana After Running Off I-10 and Crashing into a Tree in Iberville Parish

By Liora Hawthorne

Published August 05, 2023

A Florida man was killed in a single-vehicle crash in Louisiana after running off I-10 and crashing into a tree in Iberville Parish.

On August 4, 2023, just past 9:00 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop A started looking into a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 10, to the east of LA 77, in Iberville Parish. Tragically, the Crash resulted in the death of 65-year-old Michael Joseph Smith from Defuniak Springs, Florida.

The primary inquiry found that Smith was operating a 2017 Hyundai Tucson going westbound on Interstate 10. For reasons still being investigated, Smith veered off the road to the right, entered a canal, and hit a tree.

Even though he was restrained, Smith was critically injured and declared dead on the spot. There are no suspicions of Smith being impaired. In line with normal procedures, a sample for toxicology was taken from Smith and will be sent for testing.

Statistics show that the correct use of restraints can greatly lessen the chances of getting seriously hurt or losing your life in a car accident, even though not all crashes can be survived. In Louisiana, the state legislation mandates that everyone in a car, irrespective of where they are seated, must consistently wear their seat belts. Among the most efficient methods of decreasing crash-related injuries and safeguarding your life is the correct usage of your seat belt.

SWLA Week Ahead: Oct. 19–25, 2026

Early voting opens Tuesday. The Great Pumpkin Trail runs all week at Tuten Park. Saturday packs in LCFD Family Day, a workshop with Dr. Ralph Martin, and the SPAR Boo Bash — and Sunday closes the week with the CalcaChew Festival. Calcasieu Parish Early voting starts...

read more

Vinton I-10 Westbound Right Lane Closure Scheduled March 31-April 1

Vinton, Louisiana - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced an overnight lane closure on Interstate 10 westbound in Vinton for roadway maintenance. According to the agency, the right lane of I-10 westbound will be closed from Coone...

read more