Lake Charles Man Succumbs to Injuries Sustained in Crash in Westlake

Published July 25, 2021

From the Louisiana State Police, Westlake, LA – On July 24, 2021, shortly after 5:15 p.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a single-vehicle crash near the intersection of LA Hwy 379 and John Stine Road in Calcasieu Parish. The crash claimed the life of 65-year-old Paul Thomas of Lake Charles.
The initial investigation revealed a 1994 GMC Safari Van, driven by Thomas, was traveling west on LA Hwy 379. For unknown reasons, Thomas’s GMC crossed the center line, ran off the left side of the roadway, and struck a tree. After the impact with the tree, the GMC rolled over onto its roof.

Thomas, who was properly restrained, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a Lake Charles area hospital for treatment. Later that evening, Troop D was notified that Thomas had succumbed to his injuries. A toxicology sample was obtained from Thomas and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troop D has investigated 21 fatal crashes resulting in 21 deaths in 2021.

Approximate location of the crash.